MARIA ANJELINA HARA NAKAMNANU Pengarang SEBASTIANUS FERNANDEZ Dosen Pembimbing 1 Gupuh Rahayu Dosen Pembimbing 2 Fransiskus Bustan Ketua Penguji Sebastianus Fernandez Penguji 1 Gupuh Rahayu Penguji 2

This study examines the use of gendered language by East Sumbanese women in the context of capture marriage (Pitti Rambang) in Raja Prailiu Village, to understand how women express rejection, acceptance, negotiation, and even subtle resistance to this capture marriage practice. Using a qualitative approach and descriptive-analytical method, this study used interviews and observations to explore linguistic strategies that reflect power dynamics in a patriarchal culture. The results of the study show that East Sumbanese women, especially those in Raja Prailiu village, use language not only as a form of submission but also as a means of subtle resistance to male domination. The analysis reveals two main discourses that reinforce male dominance and another that accentuates women's agency. The findings confirm that language plays an important role in women's experiences of forced marriage and can be an empowering tool to challenge oppressive cultural practices. Key words: Forced marriage, gendered language, discourse analysis, cultural practices, women's agency, resistance.