Hadzrat Maulana Muhammad Zulfikar, Pramutomo, Aris Setiawan

Gendered Power Relations in the Language of Wayang Topeng Malangan in the Play Panji Dalang Patah Kuda Narawangsa, Kedungmonggo, Malang Regency

Introduction

Gendered power relations in the language of wayang topeng malangan in the play panji dalang patah kuda narawangsa, kedungmonggo, malang regency. Uncover gendered power dynamics in Wayang Topeng Malangan's 'Panji Dalang Patah Kuda Narawangsa'. Linguistic analysis reveals how language constructs masculine hegemony.

Abstract

The Wayang Topeng Malang performance titled Dhalang Patah Kuda Narawangsa is one of the unique plays staged by Padepokan Asmarabangun, alongside Ronggeng Rara Jiwa – Rara Tangis. This play presents peculiarities surrounding gender fluidity, which influence the power relations among characters through the dialogues delivered. To further explore this notion, this study employs Connell’s theory of gender hegemony as the primary analytical tool, and Peirce’s semiotics theory as a supporting framework to examine the language used through discourse analysis. In doing so, it contributes to the field of Linguistic Anthropology. This study aims to document the Wayang Topeng Malangan performance and investigate the systems and forms of power embedded within it through linguistic practices. The research shows that the language used constructs a system of masculine power when interacting with characters that present as either masculine or feminine. This practice creates hegemony by rejecting heterogeneous expressions of masculinity and their constitutive elements. Thus, gendered power emerges through linguistic choices—particularly those that convey emotional detachment and aggressiveness. Gendered power relations in the form of hegemony are present in both private spaces, such as the household, and public spaces, such as governance. The more frequent the enactment of power in these spaces, the greater the scale of masculinity that is produced.

Review

This study offers a compelling linguistic anthropological examination of gendered power relations within the specific cultural context of Wayang Topeng Malangan, focusing on the play *Panji Dalang Patah Kuda Narawangsa*. The paper immediately distinguishes itself by selecting a unique performance that explicitly stages 'peculiarities surrounding gender fluidity,' providing a rich ground for investigation. The stated objective to document the performance and analyze its embedded power systems through linguistic practices is highly relevant, contributing significantly to our understanding of how cultural narratives reflect and shape societal norms. The chosen theoretical lens of Connell’s gender hegemony, supported by Peirce’s semiotics, demonstrates a robust and well-considered approach to unpacking complex power dynamics. Methodologically, the study effectively combines a strong theoretical framework with detailed discourse analysis to explore the language used in the performance dialogues. By employing Connell's theory as its primary analytical tool and Peirce's semiotics as a supporting framework, the research meticulously investigates how linguistic choices contribute to the construction of power. The findings reveal a clear pattern where the language employed actively constructs a system of masculine power, particularly in interactions that engage with both masculine and feminine presenting characters. Crucially, this linguistic practice is shown to create hegemony by rejecting heterogeneous expressions of masculinity, highlighting how specific linguistic choices—such as those conveying emotional detachment and aggressiveness—are instrumental in the emergence of gendered power. This hegemony, the study notes, permeates both private (household) and public (governance) spaces. The implications of this research are substantial, offering valuable insights into the performative nature of gender and power within traditional Indonesian theater. By demonstrating how the frequent enactment of power through specific linguistic choices in various spaces contributes to a greater scale of masculinity, the study makes a significant contribution to Linguistic Anthropology and gender studies. It not only documents an important cultural performance but also provides a nuanced understanding of how language serves as a crucial mechanism for reinforcing and challenging societal power structures. This paper offers a strong analytical framework for understanding the intricate relationship between language, gender, and hegemony in cultural performances, making it a valuable addition to scholarly discourse.

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