ABSTRACT
This research discusses cultural identity in the Putri Pinang Masak folklore
(ethnographic study in Senuro Village, Tanjung Batu District, Ogan Ilir Regency).
The formulation of the problem in this research is how cultural identity is reflected
in the Putri Pinang Masak folklore. The aim of this research is to describe the
cultural identity in the Putri Pinang Masak folklore. This research uses a qualitative
approach with ethnographic methods. Data collection was conducted through field
observation and in-depth interviews. Data analysis refers to Clifford Geertz’s
interpretive ethnographic approach, Dell Hymes’ communication ethnography
theory (SPEAKING model), and Stuart Hall’s cultural identity theory, focusing on
four indicators: symbol, meaning, social context, and language. The research
results show that the Putri Pinang Masak folklore contains three layers of symbols:
verbal symbols, nonverbal symbols, and cultural/ritual symbols. From the aspect of
meaning, this folklore operates at three levels: denotative meaning, connotative
meaning, and cultural meaning. The research concludes that the cultural identity
of the Senuro Village community reflected in the Putri Pinang Masak folklore is not
static, but rather a social construction that is continuously produced, maintained,
and negotiated through representational practices across generations.
Keywords: Cultural Identity, Folklore, Putri Pinang Masak, Ethnography,
Cultural Communication