<![CDATA[The melabuh tradition in the Banjar community is a cultural practice that integrates physical rituals with chants or mantras as part of semi-verbal folklore passed down through generations. This study aims to identify the forms of utterances used in the melabuh tradition and to analyze their functions within the context of the ritual practices of the supporting community. This research employs a qualitative approach with an ethnographic design. Data were collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews with key informants, and documentation to accurately record the mantras. The results indicate that the melabuh tradition is performed by casting offerings into the river as a form of respect for ancestors or supernatural entities (datu). The utterances in the ritual play a central role as a medium for symbolic and transcendental communication. Linguistically, the forms of utterances are dominated by directive speech acts realized with high levels of politeness, supported by assertive and expressive speech acts. The use of refined Banjar diction reflects a strategy of respect toward entities held in high regard. Functionally, the mantras serve symbolic purposes by connecting the human world with spirits, normative purposes by reinforcing ancestral values, and practical purposes as a means of protection for the group. The implications of this study confirm that semi-verbal folklore is dynamic and contextual, where variations in utterances among families challenge generalizations of Banjar cultural practices. This documentation is crucial for preserving intangible cultural heritage amidst modernization.]]>
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