The Relationship between Pragmasemantics and Hindu Performing Arts:

A Case Study on Kecak Dance

Abstract

This study examines the interplay between pragmasemantics and Hindu performing arts, focusing specifically on the Kecak dance. The Kecak dance enacts scenes from the Ramayana, infusing the performance with deep spiritual significance. Through rhythmic chanting and elaborate choreography, the dancers embody divine characters, creating a sacred atmosphere. Pragmasemantics, an interdisciplinary approach that merges the study of pragmatics (contextual meaning) and semantics (linguistic meaning), offers a valuable lens through which to analyze the Kecak dance. This approach allows for an exploration of how meaning is constructed, interpreted, and conveyed through the interplay of verbal and non-verbal elements in the performance. Pragmasemantics examines the way in which the context of a performance influences the interpretation of the linguistic and physical elements present. In the Kecak dance, the verbal component is primarily the “cak” chanting, which is not only a series of sounds but carries deep cultural and narrative significance. The qualitative research methodology employed in this study, focusing on content analysis of Kecak performances. This method allows for a detailed examination of the verbal and non-verbal elements that constitute the dance. The result of study are integrating Hindu scriptures such as the Ramayana and various slokas, alongside scholarly theories on pragmasemantics and emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between pragmasemantics and the Kecak dance. It explores how the verbal chants and physical movements in Kecak convey layered meanings, reinforcing cultural values and religious teachings. This comprehensive analysis contributes to the broader discourse on the role of pragmasemantics in performing arts, offering new insights into the dynamic interaction between language, culture, and performance