Linguistic Symbolism and Conceptual Metaphors in Javanese Islamic Myths: A Semiotic Perspective

Authors

  • Muhajir

    Indonesian Language and Literature Education, Faculty of Education, Universitas Persatuan Guru Republik Indonesia Semarang, Semarang 50125, Indonesia

    Indonesian Language and Literature Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta 57125, Indonesia
  • Sumarwati

    Indonesian Language and Literature Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta 57125, Indonesia
  • Kundharu Saddhono

    Indonesian Language and Literature Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta 57125, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i7.10207
Received: 26 May 2025 | Revised: 10 June 2025 | Accepted: 11 June 2025 | Published Online: 3 July 2025

Abstract

This study explores symbolic narratives embedded in the Javanese-Islamic tradition—Soko Tatal, Goa Kreo, and Lawang Bledeg—through a cultural linguistics lens. Combining semiotics (Barthes), conceptual metaphor theory (Lakoff & Johnson), and hermeneutics (Gadamer), it analyzes how language functions as a medium for encoding collective spiritual, ecological, and ethical meanings. Drawing on field interviews, visual artifacts, and ritual discourse, the research reveals that each symbol operates not merely as a cultural object but as a living linguistic construct. Soko Tatal represents creative unity from fragments; Goa Kreo reflects non-human agency and environmental stewardship; Lawang Bledeg symbolizes inner restraint and sacred transition. These are cognitively structured through metaphors such as limitation is strength, nature is a spiritual partner, and lightning is controlled desire. The study further highlights the shift in language registers across generations, from performative oral forms to descriptive digital expressions, without erasing conceptual integrity. Rather than documenting myths as static folklore, this research demonstrates that symbolic narratives act as cognitive and communicative systems that adapt, survive, and reproduce meaning. The findings offer a theoretical contribution to non-Western perspectives in cultural linguistics by situating local epistemologies within global discourse. Ultimately, the study proposes a replicable analytical framework for investigating how vernacular traditions construct meaning through symbolic language, connecting symbolic representations with culturally embodied cognition.

Keywords:

Semiotics; Conceptual Metaphors; Cultural Symbols; Linguistic Anthropology; Cognitive Linguistics; Ritual Discourse; Symbolic Register

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How to Cite

Muhajir, Sumarwati, & Saddhono, K. (2025). Linguistic Symbolism and Conceptual Metaphors in Javanese Islamic Myths: A Semiotic Perspective. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(7), 77–89. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i7.10207

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Vol. 7 , Iss. 7 (July 2025): In progress

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Copyright © 2025 Muhajir, Sumarwati, Kundharu Saddhono

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.