Manners Learning Through Hengad’do (Nose Kissing) And Waje Ngara (Cherished Name) Unique Tradition Of Sabunese In Sabu-Raijua Regency

Abstract

Petrus Ly,Cs, 2022 Research results, FKIP Undana Kupang, Title: Manners Learning Through Hengadd'o (Nose Kissing) and Waje Ngara (Cherished Name) Unique Traditions of Sabunese in Sabu-Raijua Regency. The research problems were; what was the implied message of learning in form of hengad'do and waje ngara habituations and how was other guest ethnic resistance to the habit of hengad'do and waje ngara? This study aimed to describe the implied messages of hengad'do and waje ngara learning as well as the resistance level to acceptance of other ethnic groups. Data was collected through interviews and questionnaires. Descriptive qualitative data analysis techniques assisted with simple tables was used specifically for resistance levels. The results revealed that moral values learning, boys and girls character cultivation were carried out collaboratively between parents, grandparents, and adult siblings. Knowledge and life skills learning of sons were fathers’ responsibility meanwhile daughters’ were the responsibility of mothers. Learning took place through habituation methods and life skills practice by imitating parents activities. Besides using character assessment rubric, performance assessment rubric was also made use of to assess the children. The child’s maturity was not only measured by age maturity, but the highest factor was on the quality of life skills performance that children already obtained. Two unique traditions applied in character learnings of Sabunese manners which were Hengad'do and Waje Ngara as their distinctive characteristics.  Hengad'do’s most profound meaning was as a symbol of humility, respects and appreciation of other people. On the other hand, Waje Ngara held the deepest meaning as verbal tribute of respect in well refined language to respect and appreciate others. The acceptance toward Hengad’do of other ethnic groups from Christian and Hindu respondents reached 100%, whereas only 33.33% of Moslems accepted due to religious belief. As for resistance or acceptance level of Ngara Waji, 100% of respondents accepted it well and used it on daily basis. This high level of acceptance also occured in Kupang, the capital city of East Nusa Tenggara Province, in which other non-Islamic tribes imitated hengad'do as a habit in various events including mourning and joyous thanksgiving events. It was expected that Sabu-Raijua regional government could conduct a holistic study regarding manner types and form of Sabunese and include them in local content books for elementary schools, secondary schools subjects in order to teach manners and messages of meaning of values, morals and good character.