SIGNIFICATION IN THE CONCEPTION OF PROXEMICS AND CHRONEMICS OF THE BAJAU DEATH RITE: A STUDY FROM A NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION PERSPECTIVE

Language is used as the means of human communication, whether in the form of verbal or non-verbal symbols. In social phenomenon reality, not all things can be communicated through verbal language only, but mostly are communicated through visual communication, which is also known as non-verbal communication. This paper highlights the symbols of non-verbal language by focusing on the concept of space and time in the Bajau death customs. This qualitative study utilized participant observation and in-depth interview conducted in Kampung Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia. The semiotic theory and non-verbal communication approach has been applied to guide the research and to signify the related symbols. Apart from functioning as cultural activities which are implemented during death, the non-verbal symbols through the concept of space and time also serve as one of many ways on how the Bajaus express their cultural values and world-view.