Leaves as a mean of communication in Malay literature [Daun Sebagai Wahana Komunikasi dalam Kesusasteraan Melayu]

Abstract

The communication of Malays with nature seems to be very close and it is often become the inspiration in the work. The inspiration also forms a distinct communication network between the writer and the reader. The Malay community including the Mandailings has its own forms of communication related to the environment, particularly on the types of trees and leaves. Hata bulung-bulung or the language of the leaves are used for the purpose of communicating emotional matters related to the sound of the name of the leaves used. This study examines the work of the Malay literature associated with the “communications leaf” by utilizing the framework of intertextuality. The basic concept of intertextuality first conceived by Mikhail Mikhailovich Bakhtin and Julia Kristeva is communication between text. Some of the principles of intertextuality such as expansion, transformation and parallel, are taken into account in examining two Malay literary works that utilize communication leaves like in some short story such as “Tamsil Daun” (2012) by Mawar Safei and the novel Daun (2008) by Malim Ghozali Pk. The short story “Tamsil Daun” presents the form of leaf communication as to imply a statement of compliance in covering the áurat. While the novel Daun highlights the personality and social conflict that is strongly related to the Malay psyche who are sensitive to the changes in its environment. It is clear that both authors apply the form of leaf communication as the expression of their thoughts in the work produced because it shows the coupling of human communication with nature.