Pantun (2020)

The Soulful Rhyme of the Malay World

Pantun is a traditional Malay poetic form that beautifully captures the emotions, wisdom, and worldview of the Malay people. Typically composed in quatrains (four-line stanzas), a pantun is known for its clever structure: the first two lines set a metaphor or scene (pembayang), and the last two lines deliver the actual message or meaning (maksud). This structure creates a rhythmic interplay of imagery and philosophy, often reflecting themes of love, nature, morality, and daily life. Despite its simplicity, pantun is renowned for its depth and elegance, making it both a form of art and a medium of communication.

More than just literary expression, pantun is a social practice—exchanged in conversations, ceremonies, courtship rituals, and performances like Dondang Sayang. It sharpens the speaker’s wit and showcases linguistic skill, as crafting a meaningful pantun on the spot is considered a true intellectual feat.