Language and Ecology in Ecolinguistics Perspective : A Case Study on Tunjuk Ajar Language in Riau, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aimed to find out the lexicon of Tunjuk Ajar language related to environment. Tunjuk Ajar is one of the variations of traditional expressions used by Melayu Riau society. It is one of the forms and language styles used especially in oral commucation. This study used qualitative descriptive.approach. The data were collected from the text book of Tunjuk Ajar Melayu written by Tenas Effendy. The result of the research was that Tunjuk Ajar language practice in Melayu Riau society was formed by lexicon of flora and fauna such as the hutan, keladi, padi, laut, binatang, and itik. The meanings are closely related to the cultural values, and norms of the Riau society which reflect the interrelationship between the human beings and the nature. The cultural values of the Tunjuk ajar language contain the values in education, moral ethics, and togetherness. All of these values become the orientation of each individual in Melayu Riau Society.