Transposition of Meaning in Wangsalan

Abstract

Wangsalan is one of the unique and complex language styles in Javanese language. The uniqueness of wangsalan can be seen from its structure and way of producing. The structure of wangsalan consists of bebuka or opening and content. The opening of wangsalan is in the form of cangkriman or riddle while the content contains a message from the speaker. There is no relationship of meaning between riddle and content, except for its relationship of form. Relationship of form lies on the answers of the riddle and the content of wangsalan. The production of wangsalan is complex because of the transposition of meaning it has. Transposition of meaning in wangsalan occurs in denotative along with associative meaning. By definition, transposition of meaning is a way of connecting the differences of the lingual form and the speaker's intentions. Consequently, the separation and the irrelevancy of form attempt to occur. Thus, to connect those differences, there is a tool called emotive device, which can link the riddle with the meaning and content of wangsalan. Emotive device is classified into three parts, namely phonetic, lexical, and syntax. All those three parts can be used as a principle to produce wangsalan. The significance of the study of wangsalan is that it is not only connected by sounds but also words. Wangsalan is not included as metaphor since there is no relationship of meaning between batangan and the content of wangsalan, except for its form as in pantun or parikan.