Pulchra Lingua: A Journal of Language Study, Literature & Linguistics

Exploring Morphological and Cultural Adaptation in the Translation of the Legend of Pulau Senua

Selli Natasha, Dimas Adika, Widyasari Widyasari — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores the morphological and cultural adaptation strategies used in the English translation of the Indonesian folktale “The Legend of Pulau Senua.” The research aims to identify how affixation, derivation, and culture-specific elements (realia) are transferred across languages. Using a qualitative-descriptive method and translation theories from Nida, Newmark, Venuti, Baker, and Osimo, this paper analyzes selected text segments from both the source and target versions. Findings show that Indonesian morphological features are often simplified or replaced due to structural differences with English. Cultural elements are adapted using strategies such as substitution, explicitation, and idiomatic paraphrasing. Additionally, this study emphasizes how important it is to maintain symbolism and character development to maintain moral and narrative depth. The analysis confirms that effective translation of folktales requires more than linguistic accuracy it also demands cultural sensitivity and narrative awareness. This research contributes practical insights for translators working with culturally rich texts.

The Symbolic Meaning of the Molelase (Belly Rubbing) Traditional Procession Among the Tialo Ethnic Group in Tomini

Siti Nurmawlidah, Syamsuddin Syamsuddin, Mardiah Mardiah — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to describe the symbolic meanings of the Molelase (belly rubbing) tradition among the Tialo ethnic group in Tomini, Parigi Moutong Regency. This tradition serves as a ritual of prayer and protection for pregnant women and their fetuses at seven months of gestation to ensure a smooth delivery process. The research utilizes a qualitative method, with data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis follows an interactive model consisting of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results identify eleven primary symbols in the Molelase procession: (1) awar-awar leaves, (2) turmeric leaves, (3) green ti leaves, (4) red ti leaves, (5) kalanchoe leaves, (6) palmyra palm leaf string, (7) black hen, (8) coins, (9) candles and matches, (10) knife, and (11) white rice. Those elements represent pleas for protection against evil spirits, physical strength during childbirth, and the hope for prosperity for the child.

Analysis of Directive Speech Acts in The Film Uang Panai by Asril Sani and Halim Gani Safia

Moh Afandi, Suparni Suparni — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to describe the forms and functions of directive speech acts in the film Uang Panai and their relevance to the communicative context between characters. A descriptive qualitative method was employed in this research. The data, consisting of utterances, were collected through observation and note-taking techniques and analyzed using the theoretical framework of directive speech acts. The results reveal six categories of directive speech acts: (1) requests (14 data); (2) advice (10 data); (3) commands (9 data); (4) invitations (6 data); (5) prohibitions (4 data); and (6) criticisms (2 data). The dominance of request speech acts reflects a preference for persuasive and non-coercive communication strategies within the characters' interactions. These findings demonstrate that directive speech acts serve not only as a narrative driver for the plot but also as a representation of the cultural communication of the Bugis-Makassar community, which are deeply rooted in social values and politeness.

An Error Analysis of Indonesian Language Usage in Students’ Initial Academic Writing

Rahmi Magfira — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This research identifies Indonesian language usage errors within student research proposal manuscripts at Universitas Alkhairaat Palu. The study is driven by the observation that students' academic writing skills often lack linguistic precision, affecting the clarity and scientific quality of their work. Employing a descriptive qualitative method, data was collected via observation, documentation, reading, note-taking, and literature studies. Analysis utilized Krippendorff’s content analysis involving sampling, recording, and context units, validated through source and theory triangulation. The results uncovered 416 errors across six categories. Spelling errors were most frequent with 158 instances, followed by 85 punctuation errors and 72 affixation errors. Additionally, there were 65 capitalization errors, 35 cases of improper italics, and one non-standard reduplication. These findings highlight the critical need for improved linguistic competence in the university's academic environment.