Descriptiveness of Common Bird Names in the Malay Language

Abstract

Understanding the level of descriptiveness in common bird names is essential for evaluating the quality of bird names. However, there is currently a scarcity of information regarding the level of descriptiveness for common bird names in the Malay language. Therefore, this study was conducted with two objectives: to identify the descriptiveness of common bird names in the Malay language and to discuss the descriptiveness of common bird names in the Malay language based on Gilreath's approach 1993. This study used document analysis and was conducted according to the Delphi method, involving five experts in bird identification and taxonomy. Finding revealed that there were three distinct levels of descriptiveness for common bird names in the Malay language. The results of this study can serve as an essential reference for assessing the level of descriptiveness of common bird names, particularly in the Malay language.