Song in the Sumatran Highlands

Text: Pantun Nasehat

Pantun nasehat (literally pantun of advice) is another important type of pantun central to the genre, as they contain the philosophical and moralistic messages of the Minangkabau moral code and worldview, including behavior and characteristic part of Minangkabau adat. The advice, however, is not expressed directly, but all couched in indirect language, just as in the practice of Minangkabau pasambahan.

The words of wisdom contained in these passages are equally important in providing a window into the Minangkabau classic worldview. Historically, they would have provided an important educational function for young Minangkabau people, but the audience has shifted considerably in recent years, skewing older.

Pantun nasehat can be found in all types of song, including ratok, satangah tiang, and gembira

Examples

Example#1

Anak Pantun#3, Isi, Te E, Rendition: "Pariaman Panjang" 07/25/2016

Minangkabau

Dek tuan rang bapitih
Hati-hati mambali ameh
Kini banyak ameh campuaan
Agak ijari takicuah juo

English
Because he’s got lots of money
Be careful buying gold
The gold is mixed with cheaper materials
Think about the frame of the finger that deceives

Interpretation

Although a man might be rich and have lots of money, he should be very careful when buying gold. Gold here is a metaphor for a woman. The point is that some might looking lovely and glossy, but be mixed with lower quality ingredients, so one shouldn't be fooled by looks. 

Example#2



Alah ka sanang hati ayah (semenjak ayah tidak pulang) sudah senang (apa)kah hati ayah

Mandeh bakuli bausau/ berkerja keras/ berusaha

atau, 

bakuli mandeh mancarian 

mancarian kami

 

Explanation

·      Msalah rumah tangga

·      JF: supaya apa?

·      E: pernah dulu di daerah Maninjau, dia kerjain kayak itu kejadian dia, udah ulah bertahun2 tidak pulang. Mendengar pantun itu: besok kembali, rukun kembali. 

·      JF: so he goes home

·      E: dia ingat sama anaknya, dia kembali, satu rumah lagi. Kekasihan anak2 kecil ditinggalkan.    





 

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