Pantun Sambas culture in Malay Sambas weddings in Indonesia: Mood and Modality

Abstract

Research pertaining to mood and modalities in Malay pantun has not yet been established. This study seeks to examine the mood types and the modality values (low, median, and high). Describing the mood and modality of pantun as the oral literature in the wedding ceremony of the Sambas Malay community, this study is nested in a Systemic Functional Linguistic analysis. Investigating 222 clauses of mood, 195 clauses of the indicative mood, and 27 clauses of imperative mood were identified. The pantun uses the indicative-declarative mood as a way to balance the power between the parties. 54 clauses of modality were identified with the most commonly found modality being the type of modulation and the less used modality was modalization. Probability and usuality were frequently observed due to the role of the muhakam in advising the bride and the groom. This exploration suggests that the meaning of the word is not solely accounted for by its linguistic form but by the context and intention of the speaker. The word selection of muhakam reflects the noble character and dignity of Malay heritage. Pantun serves as both an oral heritage and a way to maintain the community's etiquette and politeness in the Malay community.