Language and Gender Reconsiliation in Karampuang Ethnic Community of Sinjai District, South Sulawesi

This research will examine the gender symbolism reflected through language in form of utterances quoted from Karampuang legends. This research is qualitative explorative, using several data collection techniques; direct observation, interviews, recording, and gathering documents about the kingdom of Karampuang. The data analysis technique uses the language and gender analysis strategy model (Kramarae). The gender reconciliation referred to in this study is an action or activity that resolves differences through building amicable relation between women and men in the context of Karampuang culture and society. The findings of this study suggest that the symbolization of gender were found in traditional Karampuang traditional houses in which the architectural design and the way spaces are divided within the house, along with the tribal decoration of the house are inspired by the anatomy of the female body. The framework of the house is analogous to the female body in which the Malays refer as the "mother of the house". The element of gender reconciliation through language suggested from the utterances of the female king to the people of Karampuang and to the six male kings she appointed to rule in 6 regions which serve purpose as messages, agreements and agreements. The nobility of women status in the Karampuang community is preserved in the form of traditional Karampuang traditional houses which until now remain perceived as sacred by the local community.