Semantic Structure of Verbs ‘Touch’ in Indonesian and Batak Toba Language
Srisofian Sianturi *
Universitas HKBP Nommensen Medan, Indonesia.
Mulyadi .
Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia.
Elita Modesta Br. Sembiring
Universitas Methodist Indonesia, Indonesia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study discusses the semantic structures of the verbs “touch” in Indonesian and Batak Toba Language. This study applied the Natural Semantic Metalanguage theory by Wierzbicka. The data were collected through observation and interview methods. The findings are four parts of the verbs “touch” found in Indonesian and Batak Toba Language, they are: a) touch – feel; b) touch – press; c) touch – beat; d) touch – rub. The semantic structures of the verbs “touch” in Indonesian and BTL are mostly similar. However, there are three verbs which are different in the semantic structures, they are: meremas (mamisat) ‘squeeze’, menepuk (manompuk) ‘pat’ and mencubit (manggotil) ‘pinch’. The semantic structure differences in Indonesian and BTL occur because the two societies are distinctive and the different use of the language is diverse.
Keywords: Touch, meaning, semantic structures, Indonesian, Batak Toba Language.