Disaster mitigations through metaphorical expressions and signboards in West Sumatra

¹ Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia.
² Department of Literature and Culture, Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia.
³ Department of Language, Academy of Malay Studies, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
⁴ Department of History, Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia.

^* Corresponding author: oktavianus@hum.unand.ac.id

Abstract

Disaster mitigation is important for the safety of human, environment, and nature. Therefore, this research investigated disaster mitigation through cultural approach paradigm. The focus of this study is to research metaphorical expressions and signboards at public spaces to mitigate disasters. The sources of the data were songs containing metaphors. As an early disaster mitigation, we also use signboards in public spaces as data. We collected the data by tracing signboards and metaphors from ten songs containing metaphors related to environmental preservation and disaster mitigation, and discussions with the song's composer. Data analysis used distributional and referential methods as well as content analysis. This research indicates that songs containing metaphorical expressions and signboards delivering clear and readable information can be a sustainable means of disaster mitigation over time. Metaphors are rich in cultural values, guiding people's behavior to protect nature for environmental sustainability. Signboards delivering readable information can guide people on how to deal with natural disasters. The values in metaphors related to disaster mitigation are concern for nature, responsibility for environmental sustainability, and criticism for those who exploit nature. Besides, the Minang songs also portrayed the worst effects of disasters on people's life and their environment.