REBU IN THE SPEECH NORM SYSTEM OF THE KARO COMMUNITY: CHALLENGES AND ADAPTATIONS IN THE MODERN ERA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53806/ijcss.v6i1.1005Keywords:
Karo Community, Rebu, Speech NormAbstract
Rebu is a traditional speech norm in the Karo community that prohibits direct face-to-face communication between in-laws of opposite genders and siblings-in-law. This norm plays a crucial role in maintaining respect, social harmony, and family hierarchy. However, modernization and changing lifestyles have influenced the understanding and practice of rebu, especially among the younger generation. This study employs a qualitative phenomenological approach to explore the meanings, perceptions, and implementation of rebu within the Karo community. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 15 informants from Naman Teran Village and validated using triangulation techniques. Findings indicate that rebu is still recognized as a vital cultural norm symbolizing respect and politeness. The younger generation generally understands the concept, though with more flexible interpretations. In young households, rebu is practiced with adaptations, such as the use of intermediaries or digital communication, to accommodate modern social contexts. Despite external influences of globalization and technology, the core values of rebu persist as a mechanism for maintaining family harmony and social order. Adaptation in practice reflects the community's efforts to balance tradition and modernity, ensuring the continuity of cultural identity.References
Abdussamad. 2021. Metode Penelitian Kualitatif. Makassar: CV.Syakir Media Press.
Asmarani, Purba, Surbakti Insenamira Br, Sari Raudah Permata, and Panjaitan Yunintan. 2024. “Mengenal Ras , Budaya Dan Pola Pengasuhan Di Desa Susuk, Kec.Tiganderket, Kab. Karo.” (3): 1–11.
Azka, Millati. 2020. “Tradisi Rebu Ngerana Pasca Perkawinan Pada Masyarakat Karo Sumatera Utara Perspektif ‘URF.” Jurnal Hukum Islam dan Perundang-Undangan 7.
Br, Ginting Sardis, Niampe La, and Jers La Ode Topo. 2020. “Rebu: Tradisi Pantangan Bagi Suku Karo.” Etnoreplika Jurnal Sosial dan Budaya 9.
Desy, Kristiani, Wahyuni Sri, and Solina Emmy. 2022. “Tradisi Rebu Oleh Suku Karo Yang Merantau Di Kota Tanjung Pinang.” Jurnal Gender dan Anak 1.
Edwin, Manumpahi, Goni Shirley, and Pongoh Hendrik. 2021. “Kajian Kekerasan Dalam Rumah Tangga Terhadap Psikologi Anak Di Desa Soakonora Kecamatan Jaijolo Kabupaten Halmahera Barat.” Journal of Interpersonal Violence 36(5–6): 2772–90. doi:10.1177/0886260518759060.
Fiantika, Feny Rita, Mohammad Wasil, Sri Jumiyati, Leli Honesti, Sri Wahyuni, Erland Mouw, Imam Mashudi, et al. 2022. Metodologi Penelitian Kualitatif. Sumatera Barat: PT. Global Eskutif Teknologi.
Ginting, Susanto, Rosmawaty Harahap, and Elly Prihastuti Wuriyani. 2022. “Rebu: Tradisi Pantangan Suku Karo (Studi Etnografi Pada Suku Karo Di Kota Medan).” Jurnal Penelitian Humaniora 27(1): 1–7. doi:10.21831/hum.v27i1.50073.
Herry, Firman, Aldita Dinda, Ginting Lestari Dara Cinta Utami, and Agustono Budi. 2023. “Tradisi Mukul Etnik Pada Masyarakat Karo Di Desa Seberata , Kecamatan Tiga Panah, Kabupaten Karo.” Jurnal Pendidikan Dasar Dan Sosial Humaniora 43(4): 342–46.
J, Moleong Lexy. 2021. Metode Penelitian Kualitatif. Bandung: PT.Remaja Rosdakarya.
Kususmatuti, Adhi, and Khoiran Ahmad Mustamil. 2019. Metode Penelitian Kualitatif. Semarang: Lembaga Pendidikan Sukarno Pressindo.
Melati, Rahma, and Sabaruddin. 2022. “Analyzing the Meaning of Language Use in Politeness Strategies in the Danish Girl Movie.” JLE: Journal of Literate of English Education Study Program 3(02): 32–40. doi:10.47435/jle.v3i02.715.
Nahak, Hildgardis M.I. 2019. “Upaya Melestarikan Budaya Indonesia Di Era Globalisasi.” Jurnal Sosiologi Nusantara 5(1): 65–76. doi:10.33369/jsn.5.1.65-76.
Nugroho, Ari Cahyo. 2021. “Teori Utama Sosiologi (Fungsionalisme Struktural, Teori Konflik, Interaksi Simbolik).” Majalah Ilmiah Semi Populer Komunikasi Massa 2(2): 185–94. https://portal-ilmu.com/teori-utama-sosiologi/.
Pinilas, Rifaldi, Ronny Gosal, and Ventje Kasenda. 2017. “Partisipasi Generasi Muda Dalam Pelaksanaan Pembangunan (Studi Kasus Di Desa Damau Kecamatan Damau Kabupaten Talaud).” Jurnal Eksekutif 2(2): 8.
Pramono, Budi. 2018. “Norma Sebagai Sarana Menilai Bekerjanya Hukum Dalam Masyarakat.” Perspektif Hukum 17(1): 101. doi:10.30649/phj.v17i1.86.
Pudianingsi, A. Ratna, Waladi Imaduddin, Eva Mufidah, and Esthi Putri Ardiyanti. 2022. “Peran Generasi Muda Dalam Mempertahankan Seni Dan Budaya Bangsa Ni.” Jurnal Akuntansi Keuangan dan teknologi Informasi Akuntansi 3(1): 458–70.
Puja, Khairani, Ritonga Sakti, and Ismail. 2024. “Tradisi Rebu Ngerana Sebagai Bentuk Pantangan Dalam Berbicara Terhadap Pernikahan Adat Karo Di Desa Beganding Kecamatan Simpang Empat , Kabupaten Karo Puja Khairani Sakti Ritonga Ismail Korespondensi Penulis?: Saktiritonga@uinsu.Ac.Id Rebu Ngerana Dalam P.” Jurnal Ilmu Sosial dan Humaniora 2(2): 10–21.
Sembiring, Endang Alemisa Br., and Nurjannah. 2021. “Penanaman Nilai Budaya Dalam Pembentukan Karakter Pada Keluarga Masyarakat Karo Di Desa Narigunung Kabupaten Karo.” Jurnal Antropologi Sumatera 19: 54.
Sinuraya, Jepri Andi, and Waston Malau. 2019. “Rebu Dalam Sistem Kekerabatan Etnis Batak Karo Di Desa Lingga Kecamatan Simpang Empat Kabupaten Karo.” Gondang: Jurnal Seni dan Budaya 3(1): 35. doi:10.24114/gondang.v3i1.13018.
Sugiyono. 2020. Metode Penelitian Kuantitatif,Kualitatif Dan R & D. Bandung: CV.Alfabeta.
Suyanto. 2019. “Fenomenologi Sebagai Metode Dalam Penelitian Pertunjukan Teater Musikal.” Lakon: Jurnal Pengkajian & Penciptaan Wayang XVI(1): 26–32.
Tania, Stevani, Br Bangun, Muhammad Ahda Irfan, Dzakiyah Mega Wangi, Nurul Intan Humairah, Mega Natalia Simanjuntak, Lasenna Siallagan, Kabupaten Deli Serdang, and Masyarakat Karo. 2024. “Degradasi Amoralitas Dan Revitalisasi Warisan Masyarakat Karo Melalui Rebu.” Journal, Communnity Development 5(4): 6200–6206.
Ulina, Ginting Sri, and Sadikini Muhammad Ali. 2018. “Analisis Semiotik Pada Pesta Perkawinan Adat Karo Langkat.” 15(2): 1–23.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Serli Handayani Br Surbakti, Yummy Jumiati Marsa

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.