Exploration of symbolic meanings: a semiotic study of Kelong oral literature performance in Makassar community

The Makassar Kelong Performance (henceforth abbreviated as MKP) is an oral literary performance presented in the wedding tradition of the Makassar community to convey moral messages. This study aims to narratively and visually highlight the symbolic meaning of the MKP, that represent the values and characteristics of the cultural identity of the Makassar community. Within a qualitative approach, semiotic study was applied to examine the formation of meaning through signs. The research findings emphasized the values representation tied with the MKP’s symbolic meaning, including politeness, sincerity, tenderness, and commitment to the tradition. Additionally, the MKP symbolically portrayed characters of courage, persistence, religiosity, endurance, loyalty, cooperation, and heroism, reflecting the cultural identity of the Makassar community. Symbolic meaning is narratively represented through word forms, tones, music, lights, and sound effects. Furthermore, the visual symbolic meanings of the performance are represented through facial expressions, gestures, attire, movements, costumes, equipment such as rebana, gendang, kecaping, kannong-kannong, bamboo, plates and spoons, fire wicks, and settings. The MKP also has an impact on enhancing the moral values of the Makassar community. This study contributes to the preservation of oral literary traditions and the understanding of local Makassar culture. The contribution offers opportunities to revitalize oral literature and local Makassar culture to ensure their existence.