Dogs and Malay Wisdom: An Inquisitive Semantics Analysis

Abstract

This study aims to examine the underlying factors influencing the formation of Malay proverbs featuring the "dog" element, which generally convey negative connotations. Dictionary definitions are often insufficient to grasp the philosophy and wisdom behind the choice of the "dog" image in these proverbs. Data were sourced from the Kamus Istimewa Peribahasa Melayu (2016), where a total of 38 dog-related proverbs were identified. Preliminary analysis reveals that most of these proverbs carry connotations of bad character, baseness, and filth. This study employs content analysis to categorize the data, while an inquisitive semantics approach is applied to explain meanings progressively by linking authentic data, speaker cognition, and Malay intellect. Although all data were analyzed thematically, only one proverb from the negative social behavior domain was selected for in-depth analysis. The rationale for this selection is to fulfill the requirements of a qualitative-interpretative analysis, which prioritizes the depth of semantic explanation over data quantity. The findings demonstrate that Islamic influence plays a pivotal role in shaping the perception of meaning in dog-related proverbs. The animal is associated with the status of najis mughallazah (severe impurity) and is prohibited from being kept without valid reasons in sharia. Furthermore, it is linked to negative traits such as greed, baseness, malice, and cowardice. In conclusion, dog-based Malay proverbs are not merely metaphors for poor character; they are a manifestation of the Malay intellect that differentiates the animal's image based on the religious and socio-cultural perspectives of the community. This study reinforces the understanding of the relationship between language, culture, and religion in Malay society and paves the way for further research on other faunal metaphors to document local philosophy and wisdom.

Keywords: Malay proverbs, dogs, Inquisitive Semantics, Relevance Theory, Malay wisdom, sociocultural