REPRESENTASI BHAGAVAD GITA DI RUANG DIGITAL: ANALISIS WACANA KRITIS ATAS KOMENTAR NON-HINDU TERHADAP CUPLIKAN MAHABHARATA DI YOUTUBE

I Made Adi Wirawan

Authors

I Made Adi Wirawan Asosiasi Penalaran Riset Indonesia (APRI)

Keywords:

Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), YouTube Comments, Theological Translation, Modality, Digital Religion

Abstract

This study examines the dynamics of interreligious discourse in the YouTube comment section of an Indonesian-dubbed clip featuring the dialogue between Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna from the Bhagavad Gita. Using a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) framework, sixteen purposively selected comments were analyzed across three levels: micro-textual structure, meso-discursive practice, and macro-social context. The findings reveal a pragmalinguistic spectrum involving theological translation strategies, mitigated expressions, shifts in modality from interpretive to imperative forms, and stance-taking often accompanied by assertions of religious identity. Many non-Hindu commenters, particularly Muslim users, articulate inclusive interpretations that emphasize shared ethical values across traditions. However, exclusive discourses also appear, reinforcing identity boundaries and limiting dialogic openness. Platform affordances, including algorithmic visibility, reply and like functions, and localization choices, play a significant role in shaping visibility and legitimacy of discourse. Overall, the study demonstrates that digital spaces operate as arenas of religious meaning negotiation that are simultaneously productive and contested. Future research may expand the dataset and examine patterns of user interaction and platform governance.

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