The language’s metaphor of anger in Toba Batak

Abstract

Every human being in the world has experienced emotions. Emotions are natural reactions or feelings directed at someone. Emotions are basically closely related to a person’s perspective on thinking and doing something. Metaphor consists of a fabric of words resulting from human activity. To review human expression, metaphors also play a role in describing human mental processes. Humans conceptualize and manifest their behavior and understanding through metaphorical expressions. This study explores and explains (1) the shape or form of Toba Batak metaphors and (2) the meaning of Batak language metaphors in supporting the strengthening of the national integration process. This research is descriptive qualitative by conducting interviews on the use of angry metaphors in Batak culture in everyday life, as well as documentary and book data, aimed at describing the meaning of angry metaphors in Toba Batak language. This research was started by collecting vocabulary dealing with verbs showing anger in Toba Batak language. The data in this study are in the form of metaphorical expressions that contain the meaning of anger in Toba Batak language speech in documentaries, books, and the research results from interviews conducted. The subjects in this study were 5 parents aged 50-80 years, and one was a Paradat (a person who actively participates in traditional activities and understands customary procedures). The results of this study indicate that the meaning of the angry metaphor in the Toba Batak language above is a symbol or figure of speech that contains emotion in speaking and acting, depicting expressions of thoughts reflecting attitudes and behavior in life. Then, the angry metaphor found in the Toba Batak language can affect attitudes to life.