Function of Language in Kapata Oral Tradition Texts in Saparua Island

The aims of this research were (1) to reveal the Kapata oral tradition texts in Saparua island based on the categories, Central Maluku regency and (2) to elaborate the functions of language that occur in the texts of Kapata in Central Maluku regency. The data were taken from four significant texts of Kapata in Saparua island, Central Maluku regency. The texts were obtained from field research through observation and interview. All obtained data had been analyzed with descriptive qualitative analysis. Finally, the result of this research showed that (1) in Saparua island, the Kapata oral tradition texts can be included in category of Regular Kapata and Customary Kapata, and (2) it is obviously seen that Kapata oral tradition texts in Saparua island are containing single function and binary function. In single function, it has poetic function in Kapata Janji Mama dan Bapa. However, there are some texts which carry binary function they are Kapata Undang Nyora-Nyora Par Manari (Poetic Conative Function), Kapata Inga Cewe (Poetic-Emotive Function), Kapata Janji Kapitan (Poetic-Conative Function), and Kapata Tutup Sasi Negeri (Referential-Conative Function).