Analysis of the Meaning Structure in the Lyrics of the Bugis Song “Bunga Ripalla”: A Saussurean Semiotic Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24256/ideas.v13i2.9447Keywords:
Bugis song, song lyrics, semiotics, Semiotics of Ferdinand de Saussure, Bunga Ripalla.Abstract
This study investigates the meaning structure constructed in the lyrics of the Bugis song Bunga Ripalla by H. Mustafa Bande using a Saussurean semiotic framework. Although regional song lyrics in Indonesia have been examined from linguistic and cultural perspectives, detailed structural semiotic analyses of traditional Bugis songs remain limited. Addressing this gap, the present research applies a descriptive qualitative design with lyric lines as units of analysis. Data were derived from an authoritative and widely circulated version of the song, verified through cultural informant consultation. The analysis operationalizes Saussure’s signifier–signified model to identify symbolic patterns and relational meaning structures. The findings reveal four dominant symbolic clusters: (1) elevation imagery (mountain/height) representing idealized expectation, (2) flight imagery (bird/wings) symbolizing striving beyond limitation, (3) boundary imagery (sky edge/path) signifying obstruction, and (4) floral imagery (fenced flower) representing restricted love. These interrelated signs construct a coherent emotional progression from idealization to disappointment and reflective acceptance. The study demonstrates that Bunga Ripalla constructs a unified emotional narrative through culturally grounded signifier–signified relations that reflect Bugis perspectives on love, aspiration, and social limitation. The research contributes to semiotic theory application in regional literature and expands scholarly attention to Bugis cultural texts.
References
Abedi, J., & Lord, C. (2001). The language factor in mathematics tests. Applied Measurement in Education, 14(3), 219–234.
https://doi.org/10.1207/S15324818AME1403_2
Barthes, R. (1977). Image, music, text. Fontana Press.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-16054-6
Chandler, D. (2007). Semiotics: The basics (2nd ed.). Routledge.
https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203014936
Chaer, A. (2014). Linguistik umum. Rineka Cipta.
https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.24145.79203
Danesi, M. (2004). Messages, signs, and meanings. Canadian Scholars’ Press.
https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203483077
Dayu, R., & Syadli, M. (2023). Semiotics and socio-cultural context. Journal of Communication Studies, 11(3), 201–215.
https://doi.org/10.24198/jcs.v11i3.45821
Eco, U. (1976). A theory of semiotics. Indiana University Press.
https://doi.org/10.2307/2183747
Effendi, R., et al. (2024). Cultural symbols in regional songs. Humaniora, 36(1), 12–25. https://doi.org/10.22146/jh.v36i1.91234
Fairclough, N. (1995). Critical discourse analysis. Longman.
https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315834368
Fowler, R. (1991). Language in the news. Routledge.
https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315003573
Halliday, M. A. K., & Hasan, R. (1985). Language, context, and text. Deakin University Press. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315836010
Herianah. (2017). Variasi pola kata dalam lirik lagu Bugis. Sawerigading, 23(2), 157–168. https://doi.org/10.26499/sawer.v23i2.246
Ismawati, E., & Saptarini, T. (2020). Struktur dan makna lirik lagu. Litera, 19(2), 210–222. https://doi.org/10.21831/ltr.v19i2.32145
Kridalaksana, H. (2013). Kamus linguistik (4th ed.). Gramedia.
https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.1.4904.6248
Lake, S., et al. (2023). Semiotic reading of regional song lyrics. Semiotica, 243, 89–110. https://doi.org/10.1515/sem-2022-0147
Lyra, H., et al. (2023). Local songs as cultural identity. Journal of Cultural Studies, 15(1), 44–56. https://doi.org/10.1080/09502386.2023.2170049
Majiji, A., & Halfian, D. (2022). Semantic meaning in traditional song lyrics. Jurnal Ilmu Bahasa, 8(1), 55–67.
https://doi.org/10.26877/jib.v8i1.10452
Merriam, A. P. (1964). The anthropology of music. Northwestern University Press.
https://doi.org/10.2307/3111662
M U, Sari H, Hermansyah S, Maming K, Kahar A, Hasan, Elfahmi FK (2025), "Understanding Indonesian students' reading knowledge in digital literacy within socio-cultural of rural middle schools". International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, Vol. 42 No. 5 pp. 432–448, doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJILT-12-2023-0239
Mudinillah, A., Kuswandi, D. ., Erwin, E., Sugiarni, S., Winarno, W., Annajmi, A., & Hermansah, S. (2024). Optimizing Project-Based Learning in Developing 21st Century Skills: A Future Education Perspective. Qubahan Academic Journal, 4(2), 86–101. https://doi.org/10.48161/qaj.v4n2a352
Nur Rahmah Wahyuddin, Nur Eva Yanti, Riska Arnas, Sam Hermansyah, Utilization of Artificial Intelligence in EFL Learning from a Digital Literacy Perspective, https://doi.org/10.24256/ideas.v13i2.8331
Nöth, W. (1995). Handbook of semiotics. Indiana University Press.
https://doi.org/10.2307/2183179
Peirce, C. S. (1958). Collected papers of Charles Sanders Peirce. Harvard University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/2105342
Permana, A., & Yusmawati. (2023). Semiotic analysis of Indonesian song lyrics. Bahasa dan Seni, 51(1), 33–47.
https://doi.org/10.17977/um015v51i12023p033
Sam Hermansyah, Syamsu T, Syamsunir, Winda Pratiwi, K., Hamka, N., & Ramli, R. (2025). Improvement of Vocational Skills of SMK Muhammadiyah Rappang Students Through an Entrepreneurship-Based Training Program in Pancarijang District, Sidenreng Rappang Regency. Unram Journal of Community Service, 6(2), 326–333. https://doi.org/10.29303/ujcs.v6i2.987
Sain, Y., & Hermansyah, S. (2025). Exploring the Language Attitudes of the Tolaki Community in Kendari: A Comprehensive Sociolinguistic Analysis. JOLLT Journal of Languages and Language Teaching, 13(2), 983–993. https://doi.org/10.33394/jollt.v13i2.14415
Saussure, F. de. (2011). Course in general linguistics (W. Baskin, Trans.). Columbia University Press. https://doi.org/10.7312/saus15236
Sasono, F., & Urfan. (2025). Language sign systems in Indonesian texts. Lingua Cultura, 19(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.21512/lc.v19i1.10234
Sobur, A. (2003). Semiotika komunikasi. Remaja Rosdakarya.
https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.1.3456.3289
Wellek, R., & Warren, A. (1956). Theory of literature. Harcourt Brace.
https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203993224
Wahyuddin, N. R., Yanti, N. E., Arnas, R., & Hermansyah, S. (2024). Digital Literacy Integrated with Blended Learning in Improving EFL Students’ English Language Skills: A Lesson Learned from the Independent Campus Program. Journal of Language and Literature Studies, 4(4), 744-757. https://doi.org/10.36312/jolls.v4i4.2351
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
Citation Check
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdul Rauuf Muri, Sumarlin Rengko HR
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under an Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See the Effect of Open Access)
