PENGAPLIKASIAN PENDEKATAN SEMANTIK 
\nINKUISITIF DALAM PEMBELAJARAN PERIBAHASA 
\nMELAYU: ANALISIS TERHADAP BUKU TEKS 
\nSEKOLAH MENENGAH
\n(Application of Inquisitive Semantics in the Learning of Malay 
\nProverbs: An Analysis of

The learning of proverbs through the method of memorizing 
\ndictionary meanings alone will not stimulate students’ higher-order 
\nthinking skills. Teachers need to identify a comprehensive approach 
\nthat can help students understand meanings, relate the use of 
\nproverbs and their meanings in real speech contexts, and appreciate 
\nthe aesthetics of Malay proverbs. In this regard, the researcher 
\nexamined the application of inquisitive semantics in analyzing the 
\nmeanings of proverbs contained in the secondary school Malay 
\nlanguage syllabus based on the KSSM Malay Language curriculum 
\nas an alternative method for teaching and learning proverbs. This 
\nqualitative study, in the form of content analysis, obtained data from 
\nthe Malay Language textbooks for Form 4 and Form 5. The data 
\nwere analyzed using the framework of the inquisitive semantic study, 
\nwhich involves three stages: script semantics, semantic resonance, 
\nand inquisitive semantics. The findings indicated that this approach 
\nnot only facilitates comprehensive learning of proverbs, but also 
\nstimulates students’ higher-order thinking skills, making it more 
\nrelevant in the context of 21st-century learning. The conclusion of this study suggests that inquisitive semantics is suitable as an alternative 
\nmethod in the teaching and learning of proverbs, in line with the 
\nelements of inquiry-based learning and contextual learning in KSSM. 
\nThis study also emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary 
\nlearning through proverbs, encompassing aspects of history, culture, 
\nand science, as well as enriching the teaching of the Malay language 
\nwith cross-curricular elements.