A Study of Semiotics in Nyale Falo Laor Tradition by Tobelo Ethnic: Peirce Perspective

Authors

  • Mujahid Taha

    Center for Language, Literature, and Community Research, National Research and Innovation Agency of Republic Indonesia (BRIN), South Jakarta 12710, Indonesia

    Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
  • Fairul Zabadi

    Center for Language, Literature, and Community Research, National Research and Innovation Agency of Republic Indonesia (BRIN), South Jakarta 12710, Indonesia
  • Burhanuddin Arafah

    Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
  • Dwi Wahyuni

    Center for Language, Literature, and Community Research, National Research and Innovation Agency of Republic Indonesia (BRIN), South Jakarta 12710, Indonesia
  • Safrudin Abdulrahman

    Fakultas Ilmu Budaya, Universitas Khairun, Ternate Selatan 97724, Indonesia
  • Ramis Rauf

    Fakultas Ilmu Budaya, Universitas Khairun, Ternate Selatan 97724, Indonesia
  • Slamet Slamet

    Indonesian Language and Literature Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Sebelas Maret University, Indonesia
  • Dhini Yustia Widhyah Saputri

    Fakultas Ilmu Budaya, Universitas Khairun, Ternate Selatan 97724, Indonesia
  • Zulhajnie Limpas

    Fakultas Ilmu Budaya, Universitas Khairun, Ternate Selatan 97724, Indonesia
  • Sulmi Magfirah

    Fakultas Ilmu Budaya, Universitas Khairun, Ternate Selatan 97724, Indonesia
  • Fida Febriningsih

    Center for Language and Literature Preservation Research, National Research and Innovation Agency of Republic Indonesia (BRIN), South Jakarta 12710, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i12.11280
Received: 26 July 2025 | Revised: 9 September 2025 | Accepted: 17 September 2025 | Published Online: 11 November 2025

Abstract

The nyale falo laor tradition (tradition of nyale laor) is a ceremony of catching sea worms (laor) that is traditionally preserved by the Tobelo ethnic community on Kakara Island, North Maluku. This research aims to analyze the sign system in the tradition Charles Sanders Peirce semiotic approach, which includes three main categories: icon, index, and symbol. The research method used is qualitative with an ethnolinguistic approach. Data collection techniques included participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation studies. The results of the analysis show that this tradition contains a diversity of signs that represent the cultural values, spirituality, and ecological wisdom of the local community. Iconically, the koworo tool (triangular net) reflects the function of catching laor through its distinctive shape. Meanwhile, indexical signs can be seen in natural phenomena such as lightning and heavy rain mark the temporal appearance of laor. The symbolic aspect is manifested in the use of mantras (gumatere) and traditional poetry (dolabololo), which are full of messages of unity, gratitude, and respect for ancestors and God. Through semiotic analysis, the nyale falo laor tradition is revealed not merely as a practical ritual, but as a communication system that reinforces the cultural identity, religious values, and ecological ethics of the Tobelo people. Thus, Peirce semiotic approach proves effective in unraveling the complexity of meaning in local cultural practices, as well as emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage through understanding the signs that live and develop in it.

Keywords:

Peirce Semiotics; Nyale Falo Laor; Tradition; Tobelo Ethnicity

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How to Cite

Taha, M., Zabadi, F., Arafah, B., Wahyuni, D., Abdulrahman, S., Rauf, R., Slamet, S., Saputri, D. Y. W., Limpas, Z., Magfirah, S., & Febriningsih, F. (2025). A Study of Semiotics in Nyale Falo Laor Tradition by Tobelo Ethnic: Peirce Perspective. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(12), 723–735. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i12.11280

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Vol. 7 , Iss. 12 (December 2025): In progress

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Copyright © 2025 Mujahid Taha, Fairul Zabadi, Burhanuddin Arafah, Dwi Wahyuni, Safrudin Abdulrahman, Ramis Rauf, Slamet Slamet, Dhini Yustia Widhyah Saputri, Zulhajnie Limpas, Sulmi Magfirah, Fida Febriningsih

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