When Language Speaks for Nature: Ecological Discourse and Lamaholot Ethics in Ama Tewo

Imelda Oliva   Wissang; Yohana Hingi   Tefa; Veronika Genua

doi:10.31849/pgbhxs64

Authors

Imelda Oliva Wissang Institut Keguruan dan Teknologi Larantuka, Larantuka, Indonesia
Yohana Hingi Tefa Institut Keguruan dan Teknologi Larantuka, Larantuka, Indonesia
Veronika Genua Universitas Flores, Ende, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31849/pgbhxs64

Keywords:

Ecocentric character, Narrative discourse, Ecosemiotics, Literary representation, Ecospirituality, Lamaholot cosmology

Abstract

As ecological crises intensify, literature offers a vital cultural space for reconsidering the ethical relationship between humans and the more-than-human world. Yet ecocritical studies of Indonesian literature have largely emphasized environmental themes, ecological damage, and natural settings, while giving limited attention to how a literary character can embody locally grounded environmental ethics. Addressing this gap, this study investigates how Ama Tewo is constructed as an ecocentric character and as a literary representation of Lamaholot ecological values in Silvester Petara Hurit’s short story “Ama Tewo.” Employing a qualitative descriptive design and theory-informed content analysis, the study examined narration, dialogue, characterization, ecological imagery, symbolic expressions, and local cultural concepts through repeated close reading and thematic coding informed by ecocriticism, environmental ethics, and nature spirituality. The findings reveal four interrelated dimensions of Ama Tewo’s ecocentric characterization: recognition of nature’s intrinsic value and rejection of its commodification; adherence to Lamaholot customary cosmology, sacred boundaries, and ecological taboos; intuitive-ecospiritual sensitivity in interpreting signs from trees, water, birds, and wind; and criticism of modernity’s desacralization of nature. Together, these dimensions position nature not as a passive resource or narrative background, but as a living ethical subject embedded in relationships among humans, ancestors, and the environment. The study’s originality lies in shifting ecocritical analysis from nature as a theme or setting to characterization as a medium of ecological ethics. It contributes to Indonesian ecocriticism, Flores literary studies, and environmental humanities while offering broader implications for culturally responsive ecological education and the preservation of Indigenous environmental knowledge.

Author Biographies

Imelda Oliva Wissang, Institut Keguruan dan Teknologi Larantuka, Larantuka, Indonesia

Imelda Oliva Wissang is a senior lecturer in the Indonesian Language and Literature Education Program at Institut Keguruan dan Teknologi Larantuka, Indonesia. She is actively engaged in teaching, research, and academic publication, with scholarly works published in nationally recognized journals as well as textbooks, reference books, monographs, fiction, and national book chapters. Her academic interests include locally grounded teaching materials, language, literature, and education. She also participates in collaborative research and competitive national grant programs, including BIMA and textbook-writing initiatives. Committed to continuous professional growth, she regularly engages in seminars and academic development activities to strengthen her expertise, research capacity, and contribution to higher education.
Yohana Hingi Tefa , Institut Keguruan dan Teknologi Larantuka, Larantuka, Indonesia

Yohana Hingi Tefa is a researcher at Institut Keguruan dan Teknologi Larantuka, Indonesia. She is passionate about academic writing and actively develops her research skills through lecturer–student collaboration. Her interests include identifying research gaps, developing innovative ideas, and contributing to studies with clear scholarly novelty. She is committed to strengthening her critical and creative thinking and aspires to grow as an emerging researcher in language, literature, and education.
Veronika Genua, Universitas Flores, Ende, Indonesia

Veronika Genua is a senior lecturer in the Indonesian Language and Literature Education Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Flores, Indonesia. She is actively involved in teaching, research, and scholarly publication, with academic works including articles in nationally recognized journals, textbooks, reference books, and monographs. Her academic interests include locally based teaching materials, language, literature, and education.

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