Zantty O. Padahana, S.Pd.,M.Pd Dosen Pembimbing 2 Fransiskus Bustan Penguji 2 Johnson W. Haan Ketua Penguji Zantty O. Padahana, S.Pd., M.Pd Penguji 1

This study investigated the ritual speech of ka pu'u in Kamubheka village under two main research questions: (a) What symbols are found in the ritual speech of Ka Pu'u Tekase traditional ceremony in Kamubheka village of Ende regency? and (b) What meanings or essences are represented by the symbols found in ritual speech of Ka Pu'u Tekase traditional ceremony in Kamubheka village of Ende regency? This research used a descriptive qualitative method. Data collection was conducted in Kamubheka village of Ende regency East Nusa Tenggara. The data source of this research was the residents of Kamubheka village. The researcher selected three informants to collect firsthand data and applied two methods: interview and observation. Based on data analysis, this study found three essences in the ritual speech of ka pu'u tekase, conceptualized and expressed in verbal or linguistic symbols and represented in some cultural sign. The three essences are the essence of believing in God and ancestors, the importance of thanksgiving, and the expectation of abundant harvest. The community of Kamubheka village believes that God holds the way of life of kamubheka village, including power, authority, and prosperity, and also believes that the ancestors still exist among them in another dimension which supports them, especially in the harvest. Keywords: Semiotic, Meaning, Symbols, Ritual speech, Ende