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This study investigates the verbal and visual signs embedded in the promotional posters of Midsommar (2019), a psychological horror film directed by Ari Aster. Drawing on Dyer’s (1982) theory of visual signs, Saussure’s semiotic model of the signifier and signified, and Cerrato’s (2012) theory of color symbolism, the research analyzes how linguistic and visual elements work together to convey layered meanings. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, five official film posters were examined to identify how signs construct thematic messages and emotional tones. The findings reveal that the posters deliberately juxtapose serene imagery with unsettling symbols, creating a tension between aesthetic beauty and psychological horror. Verbal cues such as taglines and titles signal themes of ritual, trauma, and emotional transformation, while visual signs—such as costume, color palette, facial expressions, and symbolic objects—reinforce the film’s narrative of cultural disorientation and personal collapse. Color symbolism, particularly the use of red, blue, and white, plays a key role in evoking mood and implying deeper psychological and ritualistic meanings. Overall, this study demonstrates that Midsommar’s posters function not only as promotional tools but also as rich semiotic texts that foreshadow the film’s ideological and emotional content, offering insight into how horror and beauty can coexist within cinematic visual culture.

This study aims to describe the form, meaning, and socio-cultural function of the register of language use in the short story Filosofi Kopi by Dee Lestari. The method used is descriptive qualitative with content analysis techniques, Halliday's register theory, and Lotman's cultural semiotics. The results of the study show that the form of register in this short story includes words (espresso, latte, cappuccino, macchiato), nominal phrases (filosofi kopi, signature coffee, kopi tiwus), idiomatic phrases (kopi paling flirtit), and metaphors (espresso as a life without nonsense, latte as a warm hug). The meaning of the register is divided into primary meaning (literal) and secondary meaning (cultural and symbolic) which construct the values ​​of masculinity, gentleness, beauty, spirituality, and idealism of the characters. The socio-cultural functions of the register include community identity, expressive, evaluative, symbolic, narrative aesthetic, and ideological functions. This research supports Halliday's theory on the relationship between register and situational context, as well as Lotman's theory, which views literary language as a secondary modeling system that represents social and cultural realities. The results are expected to enrich the study of literary sociolinguistics and serve as authentic and contextual teaching materials for Indonesian language and literature in secondary schools.

This study aims to explore in depth the implementation of the Geret Sapu tradition in Jambuwok Village, including an analysis of its lexical and cultural meanings, as well as its relevance to the teaching of Indonesian Language and Literature at the senior high school level. The research focuses on the traditional practices of the Jambuwok Village community, located in Mojokerto Regency, using a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through documentation and interview techniques, with local residents serving as the research subjects. Data validity was ensured through source and method triangulation. Data analysis was carried out in three stages: data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that the Geret Sapu tradition consists of two main stages: preparation and implementation. The ritual involves six symbolic objects, namely: a broomstick, water jug (kendi), mat, pillow, bolster, and soil. Semantic analysis was conducted through the interpretation of lexical and cultural meanings. These findings indicate that the cultural values embedded in the Geret Sapu tradition can be integrated into Indonesian Language and Literature learning as contextual material grounded in local culture.

Javanese culture is a product of the community’s collective thought, expressed through traditions that have been preserved over generations. However, cultural practices may face decline due to the pressures of modernization and changing times. Therefore, efforts to preserve and sustain cultural heritage are essential. One method of cultural transmission is through traditional practices. The Ngirim Banyu tradition at Sumber Genitri, Claket Village, represents a form of semi-oral folklore that is still regularly performed by the local community in Claket Village, Pacet District, Mojokerto Regency. This tradition is carried out as an expression of gratitude to God Almighty for the blessings received, particularly the natural spring that sustains the village. This study aims to explore the origins, procedures, ritual components (ubarampe), symbolic meanings, functions, transformations, and preservation efforts related to the Ngirim Banyu tradition at Sumber Genitri. The research also seeks to broaden the researcher’s perspective, knowledge, and experience concerning the existence of local traditions. The theoretical framework used in this study includes concepts of folklore, symbolism and meaning, belief systems, cultural functions, cultural change, and cultural preservation strategies.

This study examines how Javanese culture is represented in the tingkeban ceremony of the second child of celebrity couple Lesti Kejora and Rizky Billar, using a critical discourse analysis approach influenced by the post-structuralist theory of Michel Foucault. The tingkeban tradition, originally a private ritual, has been reconstructed into digital entertainment, focusing on aesthetics, religious narratives, and the ideal image of motherhood. By applying Foucault’s concepts of discourse, power, and subject formation, this article reveals how cultural meanings, gender roles, and celebrity identities are formulated through discursive mechanisms on social media platforms. The findings indicate that the event is not merely a means of cultural preservation, but also a symbolic exercise of power that reinforces social norms and preferred identities, particularly those aligned with the middle-class values. In this context, tradition becomes a contested site for the construction and negotiation of meaning in contemporary discourse.

This study aims to describe and analyze the lexicon used in traditional Javanese wedding ceremonies in Trowulan District, Mojokerto Regency, through an ethnolinguistic approach. The lexicon is not merely a set of communicative terms, but also conveys cultural values such as sacredness, harmony, and reverence for ancestors. The research employs a descriptive qualitative method with data collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation of cultural symbols. The findings reveal that lexicons such as siraman, midodareni, temu manten, kembar mayang, and sungkeman carry symbolic meanings that reflect the value system of Javanese society. These lexicons not only reinforce local cultural identity but also function as a medium for transmitting traditions. This study emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional lexicons as a form of cultural heritage and offers valuable insights for the advancement of linguistic and cultural studies in Indonesia.)

Indonesia as a multicultural country has various traditions that reflect social and spiritual values, one of which is the tingkeban tradition in Javanese culture. This tradition is not only a spiritual ritual for the safety of pregnant women and their fetuses, but also a medium for cultural expression through the symbolism of traditional food. This study aims to identify the terms of traditional food and snacks in the tingkeban ceremony and explore the symbolic and cultural meanings contained therein through an ethnolinguistic approach. The focus of the study was directed at the people of Ketapangkuning Village, Ngusikan District, Jombang Regency, East Java, who still maintain the traditional tingkeban practice. By using an ethnolinguistic approach, this study attempts to trace the relationship between language and culture reflected in the lexicon of traditional food as a representation of the values of harmony, balance, and respect for life in Javanese society.

This research aims to explore the visual potential of the goldfish as a source of inspiration in the creation of hand-drawn batik works by incorporating traditional Mandailing ornaments. The goldfish was selected due to its strong symbolic meaning in local culture, representing luck, prosperity, and happiness. Meanwhile, Mandailing ornaments rich in philosophical and aesthetic cultural values serve as supporting elements that strengthen the visual identity of the work. The creative method used in this study follows the approach proposed by Husen Hendriyana, consisting of four stages: preparation, imagination (exploration), development of imagination (design), and realization (execution). The creative process involves illustrating the form of the goldfish combined harmoniously with distinctive Mandailing motifs such as bona bolu, bindu pusuk ni robung, burangir/aropik, sipatomu-tomu, bintang na toras, rudang, raga-raga, sancang duri, jagar-jagar, bondul na opat, tagan, bintang dohot tolu lingkaran, timbangan, podang, gancip, takar, pinggan, mataniari, horis, loding/upak, bintang, alaman bolak, parbincar mataniari, gimbang, lotus flower, and gumbot. The outcome of this research consists of 12 hand-drawn batik artworks applied as wall decorations using a contemporary approach. These works function both aesthetically and educationally, as well as decoratively. The artworks are expected to contribute to the development of hand-drawn batik as a visual art form that adapts to modern times, while also promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Mandailing through a broader visual format.

This study aims to analyze the symbolic meanings contained in the lyrics of the song “One Last Breath” by the band Creed using Charles Sanders Peirce’s semiotic theory. The song was selected due to its strong themes of existential crisis, despair, and hope, which are expressed through rich and meaningful linguistic signs. The method used in this research is qualitative descriptive, employing Peirce’s triadic model of signs—icon, index, and symbol—as the basis of data analysis. The primary data source consists of selected lyrics, which were examined to identify the types of signs and their interpreted meanings. The findings reveal that the song's lyrics are filled with emotional symbols reflecting the protagonist's psychological condition, such as the phrase “six feet” as an icon of death, “falling” as an index of mental collapse, and “last breath” as a symbol of the remaining hope. The song also represents Western cultural values related to openness about mental health issues. It is concluded that “One Last Breath” functions not only as a musical work but also as a reflective medium that conveys profound messages about the human struggle and existential meaning. This study is expected to contribute to the development of semiotic analysis in music lyrics and inspire future research on other musical genre.

This study aims to analyze the representation of the figure of the prolific sundel in the 2025 version of Pocari Sweat #IONTahanBocor advertisement using Roland Barthes' semiotic approach. The ad features a local mystical figure sundel bolong in an unusual humorous narrative to convey an educational message about the importance of staying hydrated during fasting. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method with a constructivist paradigm and analyzes visual impressions based on three layers of Barthes' meaning: denotation, connotation, and myth. The results of the analysis showed that the sundel bolong was shown as a figure who was dehydrated and then recovered after consuming Pocari Sweat, which is interpreted as a symbolic form of loss and recovery of body fluids. This representation shows a shift in meaning from a creepy figure to a funny and educational figure. Visual symbols such as the body leaking and the transformation into a cactus reinforce the educational message about hydration that is popularly packaged and lightweight. These findings suggest that advertising not only becomes a promotional medium, but also builds new myths through the construction of popular culture and visual communication.  

Mustofa Bisri's poem “Putra-Putra Ibu Pertiwi” shows the duality of Indonesian life through analysis of symbolism and deep meaning. The results show that there is a balance between good and bad, and morals are the determinants of life's journey. This poem has a social critique that shows how important it is to maintain moral principles amidst the difficulties faced by society today. This study enhances our understanding of the moral and social dynamics found in contemporary Indonesian literature and also expands our understanding of semantics and symbolics in literature.

Social media has become a new cultural space for teenagers to express themselves, interact socially, and form a self-image online. Trend culture on social media has become an important phenomenon in the dynamics of digital communication, especially among teenagers and the younger generation. Trend culture is a fluid cultural space where values, norms and identities are constantly negotiated through virtual interactions. Rapidly evolving trends through platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube not only reflect lifestyle changes, but also become a means of self-expression, identity formation, and the search for social validation. This research aims to analyze how adolescent identity is represented through trend culture on social media in interaction patterns, meaning construction, and user self-representation. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques in the form of digital observation of active teenage users of the Instagram and TikTok platforms. The theory used is Stuart Hall's representation theory. The representation is not singular, but rather fluid and performative, depending on social dynamics, recognition needs, and symbolic interactions in digital space. The results show that cultural trends, such as viral challenges, clothing styles, the use of visual filters, and the use of certain captions, become an important medium in the construction and representation of teenage identity.

This research uses a qualitative method with Roland Barthes’ semiotic analysis approach to examine the meanings of visual and narrative signs in the 2025 Marjan Ramadan commercial. This advertisement was selected due to its rich symbolic elements and its significant role in shaping public perception and emotion during the holy month. Utilizing Barthes’ concepts of denotation, connotation, and myth, this study aims to uncover hidden meanings behind visual elements such as colors, lighting, character gestures, and storyline narration. Preliminary findings indicate that the Marjan advertisement not only promotes a syrup product but also encapsulates values of togetherness, tradition, and religiosity through cinematic visuals. Symbols like family dining tables, drums (bedug), and twilight lighting are interpreted as modern myths portraying an idealized Ramadan that is warm and harmonious. Therefore, this advertisement can be viewed as a form of cultural communication that conveys ideological messages through visual symbols familiar to Indonesian society.

This research explores Ōta Shōgo’s The Water Station using a biographical lens, concentrating on three key aspects of absurdist theater: the Anti-Hero, Anti-Dialogue, and Anti-Climax. Breaking away from conventional storytelling methods, the play introduces a cast of anonymous characters who move gradually and silently across the stage, briefly stopping at a leaking water pipe. These characters represent the Anti-Hero—individuals lacking a distinct purpose, choice, or identity. The performance's lack of spoken words introduce a powerful Anti-Dialogue component, substituting conversation with silence and physical gestures, which symbolically mirrors the playwright’s experiences of trauma and disillusionment following the war. Moreover, the story does not follow a typical climax or conclusion, utilizing Anti-Climax to highlight the meaningless repetition inherent in human life. Through an examination of Ōta’s personal history—especially his experiences of displacement during World War II and his interest in the concepts of time, slowness, and stillness—this paper illustrates how these influences shaped the play's form and tone. The study emphasizes that non-Western absurdist art can arise from deeply personal and historical backgrounds. Ultimately, The Water Station creates a reflective theatrical experience where silence communicates more than spoken words, encouraging viewers to engage with the themes of emptiness, ambiguity, and the quiet beauty of existence.

This study examines the poem  "Peringatan" ("Warning") by Wiji Thukul using Roland Barthes' semiotic theory. The aim of the research is to uncover the meaning of resistance implied in the poem through three layers of meaning: denotative, connotative, and myth. The poem was written in a repressive socio-political context, in which freedom of expression was silenced by those in power. Through a Barthesian approach, the lines of the poem are analyzed as a system of signs that symbolically represent resistance against authoritarian rule. The analysis reveals that the poem not only conveys an aesthetic message but also constructs a counter-discourse to the dominant ideology. The poem becomes a site of resistance, urging the people not to submit to oppression. This study reinforces the view that literature, particularly poetry, holds great potential as a medium of struggle and freedom.

Deli Serdang is a district in North Sumatra known for its diversity and significant Malay community commodities. Traditional songket weaving, especially the Deli Tobacco Leaf motif, plays an important role as a symbol of economic growth and prosperity for the Deli Malay community, and is a Malay cultural heritage that must be preserved. This study highlights the Malay songket tradition in Deli Serdang, to reveal its aesthetic and symbolic meaning through interviews with craftsmen and community leaders. The Tobacco Leaf motif, in addition to beautifying the fabric, also reflects traditional artistic values ​​such as balance, proportion, while emphasizing the identity of Indonesian culture. This study encourages the preservation of cultural heritage to remain relevant and modern.

mathematical instruction often lacks relevance to students’ real-life contexts, necessitating more meaningful and contextualized approaches. This study aims to integrate geometric concepts and ethnomathematics through the utilization of ketupat a traditional Indonesian cultural artifact as a culturally grounded instructional medium. A descriptive qualitative method was employed, using literature review and contextual observation of the geometric structure of ketupat. The findings reveal that ketupat encompasses geometric elements such as symmetry, three-dimensional forms, woven patterns, and calculations of volume and surface area. Moreover, ketupat holds significant symbolic meaning within Indonesian culture, making it a relevant bridge between mathematical concepts and local values. The study concludes that using ketupat as a contextual medium enhances students’ conceptual understanding of geometry and strengthens the integration of cultural values within mathematics education.

Village cleaning is an annual tradition carried out by the people of Nagari Sitiung, West Sumatra, as a form of expression of gratitude for the harvest and abundance of sustenance. This tradition has local wisdom values ​​that have been passed down from generation to generation and are still preserved to this day. Village cleaning is generally carried out before the new planting season or after a large harvest, as an effort to maintain a harmonious relationship between humans, nature, and invisible forces that are believed to play a role in the balance of life. A series of activities in this tradition include working together to clean the village environment, joint prayer rituals, and various traditional events and traditional arts that are symbols of hope for blessings in the future. In this procession, the community shares roles and responsibilities, which shows the strong social ties between them. In addition, this tradition is an event for reflection and friendship, where migrants who return to their hometowns take part in the excitement of the event. The symbolic meaning of the village cleaning tradition lies not only in the ritual aspect, but also in the values ​​of togetherness, solidarity, and respect for ancestors. By maintaining this tradition, the people of Nagari Sitiung are trying to maintain their cultural identity amidst the changing times. The village clean tradition is also a reflection of the close relationship between humans and the environment, as well as a form of cultural adaptation that is rich in philosophical meaning. Through this tradition, the ancestral heritage remains alive as an important part of people's daily lives. 

This research analyzes the aesthetic values and symbolic meanings of The Siborang Struggle Monument in Padang Sidempuan City. It aims to raise awareness among people who pass by the monument about the importance of remembering the services of heroes who fought tirelessly to defend Indonesia’s independence. The purpose of this research is to describe the aesthetic values based on Monroe Beardsley’s aesthetic theory and to uncover the symbolic meanings according to Langer’s symbol theory, as represented in The Siborang Struggle Monument. The research method employed is qualitative with a descriptive approach, using data collected through observation, interviews, and literature studies. The results show that The Siborang Struggle Monument holds significant aesthetic value through its unique local architectural form and conveys a strong symbolic meaning as a representation of bravery and sacrifice. This is reflected in the statue’s facial expression, which depicts a passionate fighting spirit while carrying war tools such as a sharpened bamboo spear with a flag, Molotov cocktails, and firearms, along with elegant color choices that carry implicit meanings. The study concludes that the monument not only serves as a commemorative structure but also stands as a symbol of national identity and pride. This research is expected to foster a spirit of patriotism and resilience in the younger generation and can serve as a reference for future studies on related topics.

This study aims to analyze the denotative and connotative meanings found in the lyrics of the song “Mangu” by Fourtwnty using a qualitative semantic approach. The song was selected due to its rich lyrical structure, filled with symbolism, emotional depth, and spiritual reflection, making it a compelling subject for linguistic analysis. The data was obtained through the documentation of the song’s lyrics and then analyzed by identifying, classifying, and interpreting words or phrases that potentially carry dual meanings. The findings indicate that the lyrics of “Mangu” contain denotative meanings that refer to the literal definitions of words, as well as connotative meanings that imply emotional, symbolic, and spiritual messages. Several phrases, such as “arah kiblat” (direction of prayer), “cara berdoa” (way of praying), and “kumadah” (I offer), carry deep connotations reflecting differences in life perspectives and spiritual values within a relationship. The analysis reveals that the conflict in the song is not merely romantic but also existential, highlighting a separation driven by differing beliefs and life interpretations. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding connotative meaning in interpreting song lyrics as a form of complex language expression and contributes to the enrichment of semantic studies in popular literary works.