Cultural Meanings in Indonesian and English Proverbs: A Semiotic–Ethnolinguistic Perspective

Abstract

This study explores the cultural meanings embedded in Indonesian and English proverbs through the combined lenses of semiotics and ethnolinguistics. Using Roland Barthes’ theory of denotative and connotative meaning, the research analyzes how linguistic signs within proverbs reflect the values, beliefs, and worldviews of their respective societies. Five pairs of proverbs with similar moral implications but different symbolic representations were examined to reveal how ecological environments and cultural experiences shape metaphorical expressions. The findings show that Indonesian proverbs, such as “Bagaikan air di daun talas” and “Ada udang di balik batu,” are rooted in agrarian and maritime traditions, emphasizing harmony, humility, and acceptance. In contrast, English proverbs, including “Like water off a duck’s back” and “There’s no use crying over spilt milk,” reflect rational and pragmatic values characteristic of Western culture. Through this analysis, the study demonstrates that proverbs function as ethnolinguistic artifacts that preserve cultural identity and transmit traditional wisdom across generations. The research contributes to cross-cultural understanding by highlighting how different societies express universal human experiences through culturally specific linguistic symbols.