Cultural Values in Traditional Proverbs of Pakpak

Abstract

This research aims to discuss social values and attitudes in Pakpak traditional proverbs related to flora, fauna and social relationship. As the discussion goes around the social phenomena and standing of Pakpak People in Indonesian cultural context, the paper is conducted by means of descriptive qualitative method on ninety traditional Pakpak proverbs collected from various printed and electronic sources. Proverbs are an important part in Pakpak social life, not only simply used in communication but also made as a guideline to maintain harmony among the members of the society. Once harmony is maintained, social life of any community could go through peace and happiness, uplifting the welfare as well as honor of the ethnic. The research results show that social values and attitudes are explained and taught using flora, fauna and social relationship, such as social status, discipline, responsibility, hard work, and good habits. The research is expected to be useful in the context of Pakpak culture learners to learn the socio-cultural values through meaningful expressions such as traditional proverbs.