Caruban 1

Lexical Deviation in Novels: A Stylistic Study

Introduction

  • Lexical Deviation and Foregrounding: The concept of lexical deviation is rooted in the principles established by Russian formalists like Jan Mukarovsky and Roman Jacobson. These theorists introduced the idea that deviations from linguistic norms can enhance literary works, drawing attention through stylistic creativity.

  • Poetic License: Authors exercise a level of freedom, called poetic license, allowing them to bend grammatical rules and employ language in novel ways to achieve aesthetic beauty and artistic expression.

Study Focus and Methodology

  • Overview of the Study: This research focuses on lexical deviations in three local Indonesian novels: Lontara Rindu, Sabda Luka, and Sayat-sayat Sunyi by S. Gegge Mappangewa. These deviations manifest as neologisms, connotative expressions, and unique diction.

  • Data Collection and Analysis: A qualitative content analysis approach is applied, structured into three main stages: data reduction, presentation, and conclusions. This involves categorizing lexical forms based on deviations and interpreting their significance within the novels.

Key Concepts of Lexical Deviation

Forms of Deviation

  1. Neologisms: New words or expressions that deviate from standard interpretations. Examples include words constructed through abbreviation or novel phonetic adaptations.

  2. Connotative Forms: Deviations that convey additional meanings or emotional tones beyond their literal interpretations, enriching the text's thematic depth.

  3. Diction: The careful selection of words that adds aesthetic value to the narrative, often leading to unusual or creative combinations that challenge conventional usage.

Results of the Study

  • Frequency of Lexical Deviations: The data indicates varying frequencies across the three novels. For example:

    • Neologisms: Found nine times across the novels, with notable instances in Lontara Rindu and Sabda Luka.

    • Connotative Forms: A total of 22 instances, notably contributing to the aesthetic and thematic layers of the texts.

    • Diction: Inappropriate or unconventional word choices emerged more frequently in Lontara Rindu, showcasing a significant emphasis on idiomatic and regional expressions.

Detailed Findings

  1. Neologism Examples:

    • ‘hape’ (mobile phone): An informal colloquial term derived from the abbreviation HP.

    • ‘pede’ (confidence): An acronym for ‘percaya diri’ showcasing lexical creativity.

    • ‘curhat’ (share): Represents a merging of two words, becoming widespread in contemporary dialogue.

  2. Connotative Forms Examples:

    • ‘blenderan’: A metaphor equating cow dung with a blender, illustrating creative language use.

    • ‘ninja-ninja’: Used to refer to clandestine actions, showcasing playful connotation beyond its literal meaning.

  3. Diction Examples:

    • ‘musang berbulu tangkis’: An unusual phrase not used in common parlance, portraying a character's duplicity.

    • ‘penyamun berdasi’: A striking combination meant to evoke thoughts on corruption and social critique.

Discussion and Implications

  • Foregrounding: The use of lexical deviations serves to foreground essential themes and emotional tones, allowing readers to experience a unique blend of familiarity and novelty.

  • Cultural Contexts: The novels borrow linguistic elements from local dialects, suggesting a rich connection between language and cultural identity.

  • Benefits of Deviation: Through these lexical forms, readers engage with new vocabulary and stylistic choices, enhancing their appreciation for the artistry in literature.

Conclusion

This study highlights the significance of lexical deviation in literature, emphasizing how deviations not only serve aesthetic purposes but also enrich storytelling by creating connections to cultural contexts and reader experiences. The findings contribute to broader discussions in stylistic studies and linguistic analysis, expanding our understanding of language's role in literature.