The Representation of Women’s Domesticity: Cultural Semiotics Analysis towards Sundanese Proverbs

Proverbs are an identity marker for the language users in one region. The uniqueness and cultural diversity can be seen from the meaning and use of a proverb. Therefore, this study aims to examine women's identity in the domestic domain in Sundanese proverbs. This research involves semiotic and cultural analysis. The stages of analysis were divided into 3 namely, 1) coding, 2) classification, and 3) analysis. The results of the analysis answered two issues; 1) signs found in Sundanese proverbs which include symbols, indices and icons in representing the role of women in the domestic sphere in Sundanese society, and 2) interpretations of signs associated with cultural concepts. Essentially, this study aimed to be able to provide understanding for readers regarding the position and role of women in Sundanese society to avoid gender polarity and discrimination. Besides, this study can be considered as a suggestion for policy decisions addressing gender mainstreaming in West Java.