AN ANALYSIS OF RHYMES AND MEANINGS IN THE FUNERAL SONG LYRICS OF LAKU MERIN IN TETUN LANGUAGE SPOKEN IN LASIOLAT VILLAGE, BELU REGENCY

Abstract

This research is entitled “An Analysis of Rhymes and Meanings in the Funeral Song Lyrics of Laku Merin in Tetun Language Spoken in Lasiolat Village, Belu Regency.’’ The purpose of this study is to identify the types of rhymes found in the Laku Merin lyrics and to analyze the meanings contained within them. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method with data collected through interviews, documentation, and recording. The informants are traditional leaders and native speakers of the Tetun language in Lasiolat Village. The findings reveal that the Laku Merin lyrics contain three types of rhymes, including identical rhymes, end rhymes, and perfect rhymes. Furthermore, based on Geoffrey Leech’s theory of meaning, the lyrics express several types of meaning, namely connotative, social, affective, and reflected meaning. These findings indicate that Laku Merin is not merely an expression of grief in funeral ceremonies but also serves as a medium of consolation, respect for the deceased, and preservation of the Tetun language and cultural identity of the Lasiolat community.