Jurnal Pembelajaran Bahasa dan Sastra
Vol. 5 No. 4 (2026): Juli 2026

The Relationship between Oukup Materials and Ecology and Language in the Karo Batak Ethnic Community: An Ecolinguistic Study

Helda Siregar (Prodi Sastra Batak, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia)
Jekmen Sinulingga (Prodi Sastra Batak, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia)
Asriaty R Purba (Prodi Sastra Batak, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia)
Ramlan Damanik (Prodi Sastra Batak, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia)
Herlina (Prodi Sastra Batak, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study examines oukup as a traditional healing practice of the Karo Batak ethnic group through the perspective of ecolinguistics. Oukup not only functions as a form of health therapy but also reflects a complex ecological knowledge system that has been transmitted across generations. Each oukup ingredient embodies ecological, cultural, and linguistic values that represent the reciprocal relationship between humans and nature. The research employs a descriptive qualitative method with data collection techniques consisting of observation, interviews, and documentation conducted in Rumah Kabanjahe Village, Karo Regency, North Sumatra. The data were analyzed through the stages of collection, reduction, display, and verification interactively to produce an ecological mapping of oukup materials.The findings reveal 34 plant species categorized into four ecological groups based on their proximity to human settlements: very near (10 species), near (21 species), far (3 species), and very far (none found). This classification not only reflects spatial distance but also signifies the social and spiritual attachment of the community to its environment. The Karo language plays a crucial role in documenting ecological knowledge through a floral lexicon that serves as a linguistic ecology map. This study emphasizes that the preservation of oukup cannot rely solely on its medical aspect but requires a participatory ecolinguistic approach that integrates language preservation, plant conservation, and cultural revitalization. Thus, oukup serves as a representation of the harmonious relationship between humans, language, and nature within the cultural cosmos of the Karo Batak community.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jp

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Other

Description

Jurnal PEMBAHAS (Pembelajaran Bahasa dan Sastra) [p-ISSN 2809-5367][e-ISSN: 2809-6355] has the aim to develop and disseminate science and technology through scientific articles on the results of research and study of concepts or theories in an effort to enrich the scientific realm in the field of ...