Journal of Language and Literature
Vol. 13 No. 1 (2025)

THE SEMANTIC OF COLOURS IN THE SIKKA LANGUAGE: A STUDY OF CONNOTATION

Carmelita Riayanti Sareng (Nusa Nipa University)
Stefanus Igolois Grenga Uran (Nusa Nipa University)
Maria Kartini (Nusa Nipa University)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Jul 2025

Abstract

The study aims to identify the names of colours in the Sikka Language, analyse the connotations associated with these colours, and investigate their functions within the Sikka community. Using a descriptive qualitative method, data were collected through observation, interviews, and data elicitation with native speakers from Wolomotong Village. Data analysis employed the Natural Semantic Metalanguage (NSM) theory to uncover the semantic and cultural meanings of colour terms. The findings reveal that the Sikka Language categorizes colours into three groups: basic colours, such as red (merak), white (bura), and black (mitan); derived colours, such as yellow (heret), green (daan), blue (daan wair) and brown(meran); and modern or borrowed colours, such as purple (langor), orange (heret duan), and pink (meran nurak). Colours in the Sikka Language carry profound connotative meanings tied to cultural and social contexts, including symbolic associations with beauty, courage, purity, and prosperity. Additionally, colours serve vital functions as markers of social identity, integral components of traditional rituals, and mediums for conveying cultural values. This study contributes to the field of semantics by offering insights into the interplay between language, culture, and cognition. Furthermore, it supports the preservation and promotion of local languages and cultural heritage.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

sastra

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

This journal is published periodically twice a year, June and December. It publishes a broad range of research articles on linguistics, general culture, and literature in ...