Translating conceptual metaphors in the multilingual lyrics of Asmalibrasi by Soegi Bornean
Keywords:
conceptual metaphor, cultural translation, multilingual lyrics, qualitative study, song translationAbstract
The multilingual use of Indonesian, Javanese, and Sanskrit in song lyrics presents distinctive challenges for metaphor interpretation and translation, particularly when metaphorical expressions are closely connected to cultural meanings. Asmalibrasi, a popular indie song by Soegi Bornean, exemplifies this complexity through its extensive use of figurative language that conveys emotions, love, and commitment across different linguistic traditions. While previous studies have examined the song from stylistic, syntactic, and semiotic perspectives, limited attention has been given to the translation of its conceptual metaphors. This study aims to examine the metaphorical expressions found in the lyrics of Asmalibrasi and explore how their meanings can be interpreted through the perspective of Conceptual Metaphor Theory. This study employed a qualitative descriptive design using the official song lyrics as the primary data source. The data were collected through close reading, lyric transcription, and textual verification. They were analysed using Lakoff and Johnson’s Conceptual Metaphor Theory to identify metaphorical expressions and interpret their conceptual meanings. The analysis indicates that the lyrics contain a variety of conceptual metaphors representing love, emotional commitment, unity, and marital relationships through symbolic lexical choices derived from Indonesian, Javanese, and Sanskrit. These metaphorical expressions demonstrate the integration of cultural values and cognitive conceptualisation within multilingual song lyrics. The study contributes to metaphor and translation studies by providing a cognitive linguistic perspective for interpreting multilingual lyrical texts. It offers insights for future research on figurative language, cultural translation, and Indonesian contemporary music.
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