Modality in the Texts of Markobar in Pabagas Boru Ceremony as Mandailing Oral Tradition

Markobar is an oral tradition of Mandailing tribe. Markobar as local language means “speaking”. The study aimed to investigate the categories, realization, and reasons of modality in the texts of markobar in pabagas boru ceremony. Qualitative research was conducted to analyze modality in the texts of markobar in pabagas boru ceremony. The study was limited by two pabagas boru (wedding) ceremonies held in Padangsidimpuan. The data source of study were the participants comprising 14 positions in markobar in pabagas boru ceremony and two atobangon (expert of markobar) in Padangsidimpuan. The data of the study were 66 clauses containing modality delivered by participants orally. The theory used was modality theory proposed by Halliday (2004). In addition, the data gained were analyzed based on Miles, Huberman, and Saldana (2014) namely, data collection, data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing/ verification. Findings of study showed that modalization and modulation categories were found in the texts of markobar in pabagas boru ceremony. The dominant meaning in modalization was probability (39%) meanwhile usuality was only 1,5 %. Then, in modulation category, the dominant category was obligation (49%) and inclination was only 10,5%. The clauses containing modality were realized dominantly by congruent auxiliary verb (30%). In addition, there were four reasons in realizing modality such as, (1) to portray possibilities happened in a new family; (2) to express the speaker’s judgment toward markobar of pabagas boru ceremony; (3) to obligate the new couple in making their family be better; and (4) to tell the speakers’ willingness toward the new couple.