Representation of Local Wisdom and Traditional Maritime Knowledge Systems in the Film Moana (2016): A Semiotic Analysis by Charles Sanders Peirce

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-545-4_74How to use a DOI?

Keywords

local wisdom; maritime knowledge system; Moana

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the representation of local wisdom and traditional maritime knowledge systems in the film Moana through Charles Sanders Peirce semiotic approach. This film was chosen because it shows the close relationship between humans, the sea, and maritime culture, which is full of ecological values and traditional symbols. The research method used is qualitative analysis with Peirce semiotic approach that emphasizes the relationship between signs (representamen), objects, and interpretants. Data were collected through observation of visual elements, narratives, and dialogues in the film, then analyzed to identify signs that reflect maritime local wisdom. The results of the analysis show that symbols such as the sea, boats, stars, and sailing function as representations of maritime knowledge and the philosophy of life of maritime communities. These signs illustrate the values of balance, courage, and responsibility towards nature. The film Moana not only presents an adventure story, but also serves as a medium for preserving traditional culture and knowledge packaged in a modern visual form. The representation of maritime culture in this film shows an effort to unite tradition and modernity through meaningful semiotic symbols. This research confirms that film media can be an effective means of conveying local wisdom values and ecological awareness, while strengthening the cultural identity of maritime communities.

Copyright

© 2026 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Nisaul Mutmainnah Abdullah
AU  - Alem Febri Sonni
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/03/13
TI  - Representation of Local Wisdom and Traditional Maritime Knowledge Systems in the Film Moana (2016): A Semiotic Analysis by Charles Sanders Peirce
BT  - Proceedings of the World Conference on Governance and Social Sciences 2025 (WCGSS 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 1067
EP  - 1079
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-545-4_74
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-545-4_74
ID  - Abdullah2026
ER  -