<![CDATA[This study examines the tonal organization of rim, a vocal practice from Kilang Village, Maluku, which occupies a liminal space between speech and song. Although rim functions primarily within everyday conversation, preliminary observations suggest the presence of consistent melodic and intervallic structures. Using a descriptive tonal analysis approach, three rim utterances were transcribed and examined in terms of interval distribution, tonal center, pitch range, and melodic contour. The findings reveal a dominant use of prime intervals, followed by major thirds and perfect fifths, indicating a structurally repetitive yet moderately mobile tonal system. Notably, scale degree 7 emerges as a recurring tonal center, challenging Western diatonic assumptions in which the leading tone typically resolves to the tonic. Instead, rim demonstrates a locally constructed tonal gravity shaped by performative habit rather than formalized scale systems. The melodic contours consistently follow a rise–stabilization–fall pattern, suggesting a formulaic structure that supports both communicative and aesthetic functions. These results position rim as a tonally organized speech form, or a liminal vocal practice between language and music. The study contributes to ethnomusicological discussions on local tonal systems and expands the conceptual boundary between speech and musical organization in oral cultures.]]>
