Analisis Nama-nama Nenek Moyang Orang Nias

Artikel yang dipresentasikan dalam seminar linguistik ini memuat hasil penelitian mengenai nama-nama nenek moyang orang Nias. Mengingat bahwa banyak orang Nias yang namanya cukup unik kalau dilihat dari sudut pandang Bahasa Indonesia, tentunya sangat menarik jika nama-nama tersebut dikaji secara ilmiah dalam kaitannya dengan linguistik dan budaya lokal.

Unduh Artikel

Abstract:

This is a cultural-linguistic analysis on the names of Nias ancestors. Anthroponomastics on Nias ancient proper names contains some worthy cultural accounts about the tribe. Looking at most of Nias names nowadays triggers a question as to why are the names so ‘funny’ or amusing to other people with Indonesian linguistic background. Such a question was the reason that motivated the present researcher to conduct a research on this notion. The purpose was to obtain an insight on the thoughts as well as cultural and philosophical values held by Nias people in the past and encompassed in how they named their descendants. In order to get the data, senior villagers were interviewed by the researcher. The data gathered were classified according to the meanings and messages contained in those meanings. After analysing the data, it was revealed that it is not only the present-day Nias people who have such linguistically amusing names but also the generations who lived before them. The research shows that the names vary in meanings and aspects of life. What makes it interesting is that not only the names are semantically amusing but they also tell important cultural values held by those ancestors living in the past. Written in Li Niha or Nias language, there were names in imperative forms, names related to dowry, names expressing hope, and names describing what the parents felt about daily lives. Some of the people were even named after animals' names and their body parts. Among other negative meanings, those ancestors were also named after waste materials and using linguistic items expressing indignity.

Keywords: anthroponomastics, culture, Li Niha, Nias, proper name

Download Article