MALAY PANTUN AS A REFLECTION OF THE EXCELLENCE OF MALAY MINDSET

This study was conducted to analyze the mindset of the Malays as reflected in Malay poems, known as pantun. This study is based on the data contained in the Malay pantun book, entitled Kurik Kundi Merah Saga (2013) published by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP). In this study, researchers had applied textual analysis as the main methodology. Out of 5653 pieces of pantun contained in this book, the researchers have selected 110 pantun based on the categorization made by the author/publisher of the book. Researchers had used cognitive semantic theory proposed by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson (1980) specifically as a theoretical framework for this study. The results had indicated that the Malay thinking was highly influenced by their natural surroundings that closely related to flora and fauna; which played an important role in their daily life activities. The concept of learning from the nature is clearly reflected in the creation of Malay pantun. Results had also shown that in the pantuns that were focused in this study, there were many metaphors that had clearly illustrated the Malay mindsets which talked about love, traditions, advices, travelling, jokes, proverbs, wisdom, faith, heroism and economy. It is a hoped that the findings of this study will allow us to better understand the mindsets of the Malays which have not undergone much changes throughout the time.