An Analysis of Types and Meanings of Figurative Language in "Bertaut" by Nadin Amizah

Abstract

This study addresses two central research questions: (1) what categories of figurative language appear in the song "Bertaut" by Nadin Amizah, and (2) what messages are communicated through those figurative expressions? Figurative language constitutes a core dimension of linguistic communication, carrying emotional weight and depth that goes well beyond straightforward interpretation. Yet learners of English as a foreign language frequently struggle to make sense of such non-literal expressions. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed through document analysis. Lyrics were examined line by line to identify and interpret figurative usage. The results reveal that the song draws on multiple figurative devices, among them simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, and symbolism. These devices serve to communicate emotional themes including love, gratitude, struggle, vulnerability, and the bond shared between a child and a mother. The meanings embedded in these figurative expressions are deeply tied to personal experience and emotional disclosure within the lyrics. The study concludes that figurative language is instrumental in deepening both the meaning and emotional resonance of song lyrics, with hyperbole and simile emerging as the most prevalent types. Analyzing figurative language through song can strengthen language learning, particularly by building the capacity to interpret non-literal meaning and cultivate higher-order thinking. Theoretically, the study enriches linguistics and stylistics by illustrating how figurative language constructs emotional meaning in Indonesian popular music. Practically, it equips teachers and learners with a culturally meaningful, authentic text for developing reading comprehension, critical analysis, and literary appreciation.