Journal Arbitrer (Universitas Andalas)
Not a member yet
269 research outputs found
Sort by
Constructing the Validity of a Reading Assessment Model for 21st Century Education with a Focus on Self-Directed Learning
Full text linkThe purpose of this study is to validate a theoretically based blended assessment model with SDL and to show empirical validation of it. The study materials developed include a Model Book, a Students’ Book, and a Lecturer’s Book modeled on an authentic blended assessment framework for Basic Reading. A mixed-methods approach was used, and the validation process involved six expert validators. one-on-one evaluations were conducted with ten students and one lecturer who were purposively selected to be part of the study. The data were collected from validation sheets as well as semi-structured interviews. The results of statistical analysis performed on expert validation showed that the evaluation model has achieved high validity (i.e., content, construct, criteria, and face validity), producing a highly valid prototype of instruction. The findings indicate that there is no need for any further refinements, and the model is thus ready for immediate implementation. Moreover, the intrinsic and impact validity of the authentic blended assessment model was corroborated with the support of empirical user validation (lecturer and students) feedback. This describes the inherent characteristics that include main usability elements like clarity, easy usage, logical mapping, and completeness of learning content. The impact aspect highlights the effectiveness and worthiness of using the products in real-world learning environments. The study addresses an important gap in reading assessment and presents a practical and effective solution for educators and institutions looking to leverage Basic Reading assessor skills within a Self-Directed Learning principles approach. The results can provide an important link to promote autonomous learning, develop evaluation methods, and, finally, enhance students’ independent learning ability and academic achievement
Reading Level Distribution in School Districts: Implications for Curriculum Enhancements
Full text linkReading is a core component of standardized tests and a cornerstone of academic success, prompting schools in the basic education to invest in reading programs for elementary learners. This study investigates the reading levels of Grades 4 to 6 students, analyzes reading performance trends across grade levels and school districts, and proposes curriculum enhancements in school districts in Cebu City, Philippines. Utilizing a cross-sectional study design, reading proficiency data were analyzed using frequency distribution and chi-square tests. Results indicate an overall improvement in reading levels, with a higher percentage of students moving from Frustration to Instructional reading levels, particularly in the North District. However, ongoing difficulties exist in the South District, where many higher-grade students remain at the Frustration level. Gender analysis reveals that females tend to demonstrate higher reading levels compared to males, with the difference becoming more pronounced from Grade 5 onward. Targeted curriculum enhancements like reading intervention programs in Grade 4 may support struggling readers, while teachers may benefit from professional development on culturally responsive reading strategies to improve reading instruction and promote literacy outcomes across district schools
Enhancing Administrative Texts Through Cohesive Devices and Narrative Elements
Full text linkThis study aims to shed light on how the combination of cohesive devices (henceforth CDs) and narrative elements (NEs) contributes to developing the coherence and clarity of administrative texts (ATs). While CDs and NEs were constantly treated as separate elements in previous studies, this research delves into their interaction as complementary strategies within ATs. Quantitative content analysis was employed to analyze 20 Vietnamese ATs, the results show that when CDs (reference, conjunction, ellipsis, and substitution) are combined with NEs (processes, participants, and spatial-situational settings), they occupy a crucial role in constructing textual cohesion, thematic continuity, and systematic transparency. These compound linguistic elements improve reading competence. As a result, readers can retain information more effectively, and the formal tone of administrative texts becomes more reinforced. Moreover, the results suggest that merging structural and experiential meanings in ATs significantly enhances both clarity and reader engagement. Drawing upon systemic functional linguistics as its theoretical framework, this study improves both theoretical interpretation within discourse studies and practical implications for developing ATs. Building on these findings, this study develops an analytical framework for examining how the combination of NEs and CDs operates to achieve structural objectives. Future research can apply this model to other text types, which are characterized by clarity, integrity, and formal structure. In short, this research demonstrates the roles of CDs and NEs in the construction of coherent and accessible ATs
Deviation or Glocalization? Rhetorical Differences in Research Article Introductions Written by International, English FL, and Indonesian L1 Authors
Full text linkFollowing English rhetorical conventions in English academic texts, especially by non-native English authors, does not necessarily mean disregarding some rhetorical practices of their national language. Although investigating English RAs has largely been focused on how the textual structure of the section is written in English by native English speakers and non-native English speakers, there has a limited empirical attention so far related to the investigation of rhetorical differences between RA introductions written in English and those written in Indonesian. After a thorough genre-based investigation of 60 RAs published from 2019 to 2023 using the modified CARS model (Swales, 1990, 2004), this study has revealed that the use of each rhetorical style, including moves, steps, and patterns, in English and Indonesian RA introductions is different. The result indicates that although the moves and steps display a close affinity with the CARS model, we found higher use of Move 1, i.e., establishing a territory, in the language teaching RA introductions written in Indonesian than in English. On top of that, while international authors (IAs) established their niches adequately, Indonesian authors (Eng-FL) established their niches inadequately, seemingly due to the influence of their national language (Indonesian). Moreover, the Indonesian language not only affects the frequency of occurrence of the moves and steps but also contributes to the pattern deviations found in the English RA introductions written by the Indonesian authors. This study provides pedagogical implications for academic writing and insights for Indonesian authors to write English articles using English rhetorical styles
Gendered Narratives in Children’s Literature: Analyzing Femininity and Power
Full text linkChildren’s literature plays a crucial role in shaping young minds by constructing and representing gender roles and expectations. In classic stories, the male protagonists are usually active, adventurous, and solvers of problems, whereas the female roles are supporting, nurturing, and waiting to be rescued. This study seeks to examine images of femininity and power relations in society dealt with in children’s literature through its female characters’ levels of agency, power, and children-related roles. The data of the study involves selected excerpts from the classic children’s literature “Sindbad, the Sailor’s Seven Voyages” written anonymously in (1835) in “The Arabian Nights’ Entertainments” by Philadelphia/Thomas Wardle. Connell’s (1987) model of power and gender is adopted for the analysis where nine excerpts are randomly selected from the seven voyages stories of Sindbad. Each excerpt is given, then the effects of themes like authority, financial inequality, and social norms on both family and society are reflected along with discussion for each analysis. It is concluded that the traditional children’s literature often reinforces patriarchal norms, particularly in the portrayal of femininity and power dynamics. Female characters are often marginalised and used as tools to maintain male authority, reinforcing traditional gender roles and limiting female agency. Hence, the findings imply that Sindbad the Sailor’s story reflects a world shaped by patriarchal power, with women showing little economic power, not much authority, and being stuck in roles based on traditional gender norms. The conclusion proves the given hypothesis
Metaphorical Expressions of Karakalpak Culture in Traditional Folk Songs
No full textThis study examines the role of metaphors in Karakalpak folk songs, with a specific focus on three traditional songs: Aqsúńgil, Yasha páriy, and Qız Minayım. Using a qualitative ethnolinguistic approach, the research explores how metaphors in these folk songs reflect and reinforce key cultural values, social structures, and norms within Karakalpak society. Metaphors are recognized as essential tools for conveying cultural beliefs about leadership, community responsibility, gender roles, and romantic relationships. The analysis categorizes metaphors based on Lakoff and Johnson’s typology, distinguishing between ontological, structural, and container metaphors. The findings highlight how metaphors like “settling the lands”, “driving herds of livestock”, and “choosing the finest youths” underscore the cultural importance of land, livelihood, and women’s roles as leaders and nurturers. Similarly, metaphors such as “multicolored dress” and “dawn breaking” reflect the deep connection between nature, beauty, and romantic love. These figurative expressions not only enrich the poetic quality of the songs but also embody fundamental aspects of Karakalpak worldview, where emotional connections and social unity are intertwined with the natural world’s rhythms. By examining the metaphors in these folk songs, this paper contributes to the ethnolinguistic understanding of how language and culture are intertwined, offering new insights into the cultural identity of the Karakalpak people. The study highlights the importance of metaphor in shaping social relationships, fostering community cohesion, and transmitting cultural knowledge across generations. The research also opens avenues for future studies on the role of metaphor in other forms of oral literature in Central Asia
Adjectives as Cultural Mirrors: Exploring Semantic Nuances in Bengkulu Malay
No full textThis study delves into the intricate semantic nuances of adjectives within the Bengkulu Malay Language (bMB), positing that they function beyond simple denotative descriptions to profoundly reflect speakers’ attitudes, emotions, and ingrained cultural identity. Recognizing the critical role of semantics in analyzing the distinctions between literal and connotative meanings, the research employed a rigorous qualitative descriptive methodology. Data were meticulously extracted from written bMB texts, specifically drawing its primary data from the comprehensive book “Pernak-pernik Bahaso Kito Bengkulu”. The analysis is conducted using distributional techniques to analyze the context of the sentences. The investigation successfully identified and classified 166 unique adjectives, categorizing them into three significant dimensions of meaning nuances: 56 adjectives exhibiting emotional nuances, 55 reflecting social nuances, and another 55 imbued with cultural nuances. This detailed classification underscores that bMB adjectives are not merely linguistic labels but critical linguistic tools that embody the community’s local wisdom, communal values, and the deep, symbiotic relationship between language and culture. The findings carry substantial implications, contributing significantly to linguistic and semantic theory by providing empirical evidence for the rich connotative potential of regional languages. This research underscores the crucial role of semantic analysis in understanding and preserving the Bengkulu Malay language, a vital component of Indonesia’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage, and advocates for its continued study and preservation
Local Wisdom in the Figurative Language of the Randai Tradition in Aneuk Jamee Weddings: An Anthropolinguistic Study
No full textIn oral cultures, language is considered a vital means of transmitting social norms, values, and local wisdom to the next generation. This study discusses the Randai tradition in wedding ceremonies in Aneuk Jamee, Aceh, Indonesia, and reflects on the role of figurative language in conveying local wisdom. Based on Minangkabau culture and its acculturation into Acehnese culture, Randai incorporates poetic language and proverbs, as well as symbols associated with artistic and moral values. The research employed an anthropological approach and was conducted in Ladang Village, South Aceh, Indonesia, using observation, audio recordings, and in-depth interviews with five elders in the community. The results revealed that the local wisdom embedded in the figurative language includes: harmony on ‘politeness and thoughtful speech’, and ‘social equality’, education on ‘responsibility and commitment’, and ‘obedience to custom and discipline’ (5 metaphors), cooperation on ‘gotong royong’ and ‘unity and mutual support’ (1 hyperbole), spirituality on ‘humility and modesty’ (1 litotes), and another in spirituality on ‘optimism and hope’ (1 paradox). This tradition not only reflects the shared values and cultural continuity but also functions as a living course, communicating ethics, emotional intelligence, and intergenerational respect. In a modern context, it strengthens group identity while encouraging younger generations to uphold ancestral wisdom. The use of such devices showed that Randai is not just a form of entertainment but also a medium of culture and education, strengthening the Aneuk Jamee community’s moral and Islamic values and identity, especially among the younger generation of Acehnese
Exploring the Awareness and Acceptability of Philippine English among Language Studies Students in a State College
No full textThis study explores the awareness and acceptability of Philippine English (PhilE) among language studies students at a state college in the Philippines. While Philippine English has achieved recognition as a legitimate English variety in academic, professional, and media domains, its acceptance, especially in educational settings, remains uneven due to entrenched native-speaker norms. Using an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, the study first employed a validated survey instrument to gather quantitative data from ninety-seven (97) respondents. Descriptive statistics and Pearson product-moment correlation were used to measure levels of awareness and acceptability, and the relationship between them. This was followed by semi-structured interviews with six (6) participants. Findings revealed that students were generally aware of the meaning, features, and uses of PhilE, with highest awareness scores for grammatical and pronunciation features and usage in digital media. However, acceptance of PhilE grammatical and lexical items remained limited, especially in formal contexts. A statistically significant but inverse correlation (r = –.995, p < .001) was found between awareness and acceptability—suggesting that greater knowledge may reinforce prestige bias rather than dismantle it. Three key factors influencing awareness and acceptability were identified: (1) educational exposure and curricular influence, (2) digital media and online representation, and (3) peer and instructor influence. The findings highlight the urgent need for a critical pedagogical shift which not only raises awareness of local English varieties but also fosters linguistic pride and legitimacy. Implications point to the inclusion of PhilE in curricula, teacher training, and institutional policy as necessary steps toward equitable and context-sensitive English language education in the Philippines
Book Review Papers in Language Related Journals: How Authors Evaluate and Promote the Books Under Review
Full text linkWriting a research article for a reputable journal is not easy especially for new authors or postgraduate students in social sciences and humanities including language related fields but they can write and publish a book review paper (henceforth BRP) in a high impact journal to practice writing in English at an advanced level. This study is aimed at analyzing the discourse structure and argument style of BRPs in language related fields published in high impact journals. Sixty BRPs were chosen from six different journals published in several countries analyzed in this research. The four move BRP discourse pattern model as suggested by Bezerra (2001) was used in this study. The results show that, in terms of the appearance of moves: Move 1 or introducing the book and Move 4 or addressing a final idea about the book are categorized as conventional while Move 2 or outlining the book content and Move 3 or examining the book are obligatory. However, only one step (Move 2-Step B or highlighting the topic of the book) out of 16 steps in all moves is obligatory; 7 steps are classified as conventional and the other 8 are optional. In other words, in each move, there is at least one obligatory or conventional step. This implies that only a half or 50% of the steps are obligatory or conventional while the other half are optional. The optional steps are possibly used by the BRP authors to provide additional important information about the book being reviewed to attract readers to read and/or own the book