THE LOGICAL INTERPRETATION AND MORAL VALUES OF CULTURE-BOUND JAVANESE UTTERANCES USING THE WORD “OJO” SEEN FROM ANTHROPOLOGICAL LINGUISTIC POINT OF VIEW

Abstract

This paper attempts to uncover the logical meaning and moral messages contained in several old Javanese wise-words that are seemingly contextual to the current state of oursocial engagement. This endeavor is enacted through the prism of anthropological linguisticsas it is posited closer to the cultural domain in which the language is employed. This actuallycan be seen from another sub-field of linguistics, sociolinguistics. So as to refrain fromoverlapping, a simple definition of anthropological linguistics is worth mentioning to reaffirmhat the discussion is on the right track. Anthropological linguistics (Foley, 2001) viewsanguage through the prism of the core anthropological concept, culture, and, as such, seekso unveil the meaning behind the use, misuse or non-use of language, its different forms,registers, and styles. It is an interpretative discipline at language to find culturalunderstandings. Substantially, this paper aims to revitalize the old wisdom phrased in theJavanese language which we are now apparently inclined to forget. Likewise, this means toscrutinize its typical language patterns mostly preceded by the word ―Ojo‖ such as OjoKagetan, Ojo Gumunan, Ojo Dumeh, etc. The three expressions, for instance, are veryrelevant to represent the current state of affairs which long for peacefulness, prosperity, andwisdom. The data of such kind are obtained from interview with the sample of twenty culturelliterate Javanese people chosen purposively. The data are analyzed based upon twofold:ogical meaning and moral values. Hence, the finding shows that Javanese language is worthmaintaining and developing constantly as it preserves invaluable treasure. It is the languagehat teaches not only what to say and how to say things but how to do things culturally wise.