Memaknai Takhayul Kehamilan dan Kelahiran pada Masyarakat Betawi: Kajian Antropolinguistik

Abstract

The Betawi people have a rich and fascinating cultural heritage, one of which is their folk beliefs or superstitions, which are expressions of Betawi oral folklore. This study aims to describe the forms, meanings, and functions of pregnancy and childbirth superstitions among the Betawi people. The method applied is a qualitative descriptive approach based on an anthropological linguistic perspective. The research data was obtained from a Betawi cultural expert and two native Betawi residents. The research data consists of superstitious expressions in the form of words, phrases, or clauses related to pregnancy and childbirth in the Betawi community. The data collection technique used was semi-structured interviews. Then, the data was analyzed using Miles-Huberman's interactive model, reinforced by source triangulation and the application of Austin's (1962) theory of performativity to examine the pragmatic function of superstition. The results of this study show that the linguistic structure of superstitions surrounding pregnancy and childbirth is dominated by the imperative form, indicating collective expectations and social control over women's bodies. Meanwhile, cultural meanings encompass spiritual protection and the reproduction of gender norms. Finally, in terms of function, pregnancy and childbirth superstitions serve educational, health, and protective functions.  This study expands the discourse on language as social control  in folklore by revealing how pregnancy and childbirth superstitions produce gender norms through imperative structures.