Understanding Hari-Hari Terakhir Seorang Seniman and Arus through Goodenough Ethnosemantics Approach

Abstract

This article discusses the position of the novels Hari-hari Terakhir Seorang Seniman (1979) and Arus (1985) by Anwar Ridhwan as these are considered to be cultural products and behaviors of the Malay community. Based on the interpretation of the novels, from an ethnosemantics study by Goodenough proves that cultural products (literature) are the collective knowledge system of the Malay society in the 1940s and 1970s. In these two novels, Anwar Ridhwan has created a discourse of knowledge and cultural phenomena to discuss various issues in his society. It includes three main elements which are conflict of values, psychosocial and social leadership which can be connected with knowledge system, philosophy, public thinking and cultural behavior collectively. These works can be understood through content analysis to understand the forms of thought, cultural patterns, and behavior that form the basis of a society's knowledge system which is the focus of Anwar Ridhwan's novels. Therefore, these two novels in Goodenough's ethnosemantics perspective are social facts which are the basis to understand the way of life, thinking, philosophy, common sense and cultural practices that are the core of his authorship.

ACEH PEOPLE'S BEDTIME CHILDREN TRADITION: Values and Messages Contained in Dodaidi's Poetry

“…Literature as a creative product is closely related to the socio-culture that is the background for its creation (Ismail, 2022). It was created not only for aesthetic or artistic purposes, or only for its own sake, but its artistic value is integrated with the socio-cultural values of the community, for example joining the economic, social, political, religious, historical and others.…”