Umpasa as an Oral Tradition in Simalungun Society: From the Perspective of Communication Ethnography

The current study explores the performance of Umpasa as the oral tradition in Simalungun culture, categorizes its communicative functions, and explores philosophical values contained in the oral tradition. This study uses a qualitative research approach with a communication ethnography research design. The results reveal that the oral traditions are practiced by a few cultural leaders in traditional ceremonies; marriage, death, and thanksgiving although only by the leader of the traditional ceremony and the elderly group. The practical functions of marumpasa are classified based on the purpose and function of communication such as a tool for conveying advice or messages, expressions of congratulations, politeness and respect, restoration and strengthening, expressions of kinship and friendship, and efforts to preserve Simalungun traditions and cultural identity. The oral tradition also contains philosophical and moral values that strengthen Indonesian national identities such as religious values, mutual appreciation, personal traits, honesty, cooperation, tolerance, dignity, and respect.