DEIXIS PERSONA FOUND IN SATUA BALI “PAN BALANG TAMAK”

Abstract

Language is not merely a tool for communication but also a marker of identity and a means of preserving national unity. In Indonesia, a multicultural nation, regional languages play an important role in maintaining cultural heritage. One such language is Balinese, which is deeply embedded in cultural practices, including traditional folktales known as satua. Among these is Satua Pan Balang Tamak, a story about a clever yet cunning character whose wit enables him to outsmart a deceitful village leader. Despite his sly nature, Pan Balang Tamak’s actions serve as a form of resistance against unjust authority, making the tale morally instructive and socially critical. In analyzing this folktale, Yule’s (1996) framework of person deixis is applied to explore how pronouns reveal social relationships and power dynamics. The narrative predominantly uses basa kasamen/kapara (neutral or familiar register), though basa alus singgih (high register) appears in certain contexts. These variations influence the forms of person deixis found in the text. Conducted qualitatively, the study identifies three types of person deixis—first-person, second-person, and third-person—each reflecting varying degrees of familiarity, respect, and social hierarchy. This demonstrates how Balinese folktales intertwine cultural values, moral lessons, and subtle expressions of social critique.