<![CDATA[The Tana language is a form of oral literature known as kabata in the Banda Islands which is now at a critical stage and is threatened with extinction due to the decline in the number of speakers and a shift in function from use in everyday communication to a symbolic medium in ritual contexts. This research aims to analyze the function of the Tana language in the Banda Islands by applying Halliday's Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) framework. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method with Halliday's theory as an analytical approach. Data was collected through interviews with traditional leaders, recordings, field notes, and documentation, then analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The research results reveal that the Tana language in the Banda Islands functions mainly in ritual practices such as kora-kora and traditional dances (Siamale and Lusi), playing an important role in conveying symbolic messages and expressing identity. In addition, language includes seven functions as identified by Halliday: (1) instrumental function, (2) regulatory function, (3) description function, (4) interaction function, (5) individual function, (6) heuristic function, and (7) imaginative function. These findings emphasize the need for efforts to revitalize and document the Tana language to ensure the sustainability of the cultural heritage of the Banda people.]]>
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