Domain Changes in Defining Darah (Blood): An Analysis of Communication Style in Malay Proverbs

This study focuses on proverbs derived from the keyword for the lexis darah (blood). Data for the study were obtained from sub-corpus data base. The analysis showed that changes have occurred in defining the domain of the keyword for the lexis darah (blood). From the initial [liquid] domain which defines “blood as blood” and “blood symbolizing diseases and colours”, the meanings have expanded to include meanings in [feeling] and [attitude] domains. The changes in the domain provide evidence of refinement and preciseness of the character and mind of the Malays in defining their communication style.