[ARTICLE] An Analysis Language Function in Tata Liba Ritual Speech of Palu’e Island, Indonesia

The investigation of the Tata Liba ritual on Indonesia’s Palu’e Island centers on the linguistic features of the ritual speech, or Pa’e. Fundamental to Palu’e culture, the ritual serves as a means of bringing communities together and re-establishing harmony, often addressing internal conflicts or transgressions. Using the speech act theory developed by Searle to analyze the ceremonial speech, the study finds that directed acts are the most common language function. The ritual’s goal of promoting healing and reconciliation among participants depends on these speech acts. The study uses a qualitative methodology to investigate the cultural and linguistic importance of Pa’e through participant observation and thematic analysis of ritual transcripts. The results show how ritual speech in the Tata Liba ceremony serves both communicative and symbolic roles, strengthening community ties and resolving social issues. This highlights the complex interaction between language, culture, and social cohesion. The understanding of language use in ritual contexts and its function in preserving social peace and cultural identity is enhanced by this research.