TEPAK SIRIH: NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION IN MALAY MARRIAGE TRADITION

Tepak Sirih, a Malay traditional container for storing betel leaves, is the dominant tool in the Malay society practice, especially in the Malay wedding customs. Tepak Sirih exists in communities practicing chewing betel leaves that can be found mainly in the Malay Archipelago for the past 1000 years ago. This paper discusses the role of Tepak Sirih as a symbol of non-verbal communication in the Malay wedding customs in particular during an engaging event. The data for this study was collected using field observations at a locality in Kampung Seri Kedah, Sungai Leman, Sekinchan, Selangor Darul Ehsan. In depth interviews with a Mak Andam, an expert in the Malay wedding customs was made in 2010. The data collected was analyzed using the semiotic approach since the use of betel leaves should represent the custom as a whole and not divided or in parts. The research approach is to study the role of betel leaves and all the ancillary materials used and its relationship in conveying a system of signs and meanings during an event. The study found that Tepak Sirih with embroidered (gold thread) is commonly used in the Malay engagement custom. Tepak Sirih is a symbol of non-verbal communication to start a conversation, as a statement to agree, to accept or to reject.