Semantic Structure of Verbs ‘Touch’ in Indonesian and Batak Toba Language

Abstract

This study discusses the semantic structures of the verbs “touch” in Indonesian and Batak Toba Language. This study applied the Natural Semantic Metalanguage theory by Wierzbicka. The data were collected through observation and interview methods. The findings are four parts of the verbs “touch” found in Indonesian and Batak Toba Language, they are: a) touch – feel; b) touch – press; c) touch – beat; d) touch – rub. The semantic structures of the verbs “touch” in Indonesian and BTL are mostly similar. However, there are three verbs which are different in the semantic structures, they are: meremas (mamisat) ‘squeeze’, menepuk (manompuk) ‘pat’ and mencubit (manggotil) ‘pinch’. The semantic structure differences in Indonesian and BTL occur because the two societies are distinctive and the different use of the language is diverse.