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The phenomenon of language globalization has brought a significant influence on the communication patterns and cultural identity of Generation Z, including those who adhere to indigenous belief systems. The global trend that emphasizes the dominance of foreign languages often leads to a decline in appreciation for local languages and the spiritual values embedded within them. This article aims to examine the role of multilingual literacy as a means of strengthening the spirituality of Generation Z adherents of indigenous beliefs in facing the challenges of language globalization. The research method used is a literature study by reviewing various theoretical sources and relevant research findings from the past five years. The results indicate that multilingual literacy not only enhances cross-cultural communication skills but also strengthens the spiritual awareness and cultural identity of Generation Z through the preservation of local languages and the interpretation of local values in a modern context. Therefore, multilingual literacy can serve as an effective strategy for developing a generation that is religious, has strong character, and remains rooted in its traditional beliefs amidst the rapid flow of globalization.

This study aims to examine the use of picture books as a visual literacy medium in teaching English at the elementary school level, particularly in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). This research employed a qualitative descriptive literature review by analyzing relevant national and international journal articles published within the last five years. The findings indicate that the integration of visual and verbal elements in picture books contributes significantly to students’ language development, especially in vocabulary acquisition, reading comprehension, and meaning construction. From an affective perspective, the use of picture books enhances students’ motivation, learning interest, classroom participation, and reduces language learning anxiety. The effectiveness of visual media is theoretically supported by Dual Coding Theory, which explains that information processed through both verbal and visual channels strengthens memory retention and comprehension. However, several challenges remain, including the selection of appropriate picture books and teachers’ limited competence in visual literacy. Therefore, systematic instructional planning and professional development for teachers are essential to optimize the use of picture books in EFL classrooms at the elementary level.

Learning English as a Foreign Language English as a Foreign Language still faces various linguistic and psychological challenges, both in school-age and adult learners, such as limited vocabulary mastery, pronunciation difficulties, and low confidence in the use of English orally. This condition is exacerbated by affective factors in the form of anxiety and fear of making mistakes. This article aims to examine the use of songs as a learning medium that is able to create a fun learning atmosphere, while improving learners' English skills. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques in the form of semi-structured interviews to explore learners' perceptions and experiences related to the effectiveness of songs in English language learning. Meanwhile, the data were analyzed thematically to identify patterns of learning experiences, especially in terms of vocabulary mastery, classroom atmosphere, and confidence level. The results showed that the integration of songs in English learning was highly motivating in the active involvement of learners. Where the repetition of lyrics combined with melodies helps to strengthen vocabulary retention in long-term memory, as well as facilitate the imitation of pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm of language naturally. At the same time, it creates a relaxed and fun learning atmosphere, thereby lowering psychological barriers as described in the Affective Filter Hypothesis. Thus, songs are an integrative learning medium that is effective in bridging the academic needs and emotional comfort of learners, and is relevant to support the development of listening and speaking skills in English learning across ages.

This study aims to develop a pop-up book learning medium with the theme “Einkaufen” (Shopping) as a German language instructional medium for Grade XI students at SMA Negeri 3 Binjai. The background of this study is the low level of students’ understanding of the learning materials and their lack of learning motivation due to the use of monotonous conventional media. This research employs a Research and Development (R&D) approach using the ADDIE development model, which includes the stages of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. The results of the implementation stage indicate that 98.3% of students agreed that the pop-up book is effective for use in German language learning, and 96.7% stated that the material content is easy to understand. The pop-up book consists of six pages containing learning materials and exercises that focus on reading, writing, and speaking skills. Validation by material and media experts yielded a score of 90, categorized as very good. These findings demonstrate that the developed pop-up book medium is not only visually engaging but also capable of enhancing students’ motivation and comprehension in an integrative German language learning process. This medium can serve as an effective alternative for improving the quality of foreign language learning at the secondary school level.

Storytelling has been widely recognized as an effective method for teaching English to young learners because it presents language in meaningful and engaging contexts. This study aims to explore the implementation of storytelling in teaching English to primary school students and to examine the perceived benefits and challenges from the teacher’s perspective. The study employed a qualitative descriptive research design involving one English teacher who taught Grade 6 students at SDN 261 Pinrang. The participant was selected through purposive sampling due to her experience in applying storytelling activities in English instruction at the lower primary level. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview and documentation, including lesson plans and teaching materials related to storytelling used in the classroom. The data were analyzed using descriptive qualitative analysis by identifying recurring themes related to classroom implementation, student responses, perceived benefits, and instructional challenges. The findings reveal that storytelling was mainly implemented in listening and speaking activities using simple and familiar stories, visual aids, and follow-up tasks such as comprehension questions and story retelling. According to the teacher, storytelling contributed positively to students’ listening skills, vocabulary acquisition, motivation, and confidence in using English. Students showed higher levels of attention, engagement, and willingness to participate during storytelling sessions compared to traditional teaching methods. However, several challenges were also identified, including difficulty in selecting age-appropriate and culturally relevant stories, limited instructional time, large class size, and the teacher’s need for further training in designing effective storytelling activities. Despite these challenges, the study concludes that storytelling can create a positive and supportive learning environment when it is carefully planned and supported by adequate teacher preparation. The findings highlight the importance of instructional support to maximize the effectiveness of storytelling in primary EFL classrooms.

Indonesian language education plays a strategic role in strengthening national identity and preserving cultural values amid the pressures of globalization. In the global era, the dominance of foreign languages, digital media, and transnational cultures poses challenges to the existence of national languages and local cultural identities. This study aims to analyze the role of Indonesian language education as an instrument for reinforcing national identity and cultural awareness in formal educational settings. The research employs a qualitative descriptive method with a literature review approach, examining scientific journals, policy documents, and relevant educational studies published within the last five years. Data were analyzed through content analysis to identify patterns, themes, and conceptual relationships related to language education and cultural identity. The findings reveal that Indonesian language education not only functions as a medium of communication but also serves as a vehicle for transmitting national values, cultural narratives, and collective identity. Learning materials that integrate local wisdom, literature, and cultural texts significantly contribute to students’ cultural awareness and national character development. Furthermore, Indonesian language education plays an important role in fostering critical literacy, cultural resilience, and a sense of belonging among learners in a globalized context. The study implies that strengthening Indonesian language education through curriculum development, contextual learning, and teacher competence enhancement is essential to sustaining national identity and cultural continuity in the era of globalization.

This study examines the effectiveness of the THIEVES strategy in enhancing students’ critical reading comprehension in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context, particularly at the senior high school level. Employing a quasi-experimental research design, the study involved two groups: an experimental group taught using the THIEVES strategy and a control group that received conventional reading instruction commonly applied in the classroom. The participants consisted of tenth-grade students of SMA Muhammadiyah 8 Gresik who were selected to represent learners with similar academic backgrounds. Data were collected through pre-tests and post-tests that were specifically designed to measure students’ critical reading comprehension skills, including their ability to identify main ideas, infer meaning, and evaluate textual information. The findings revealed that students in the experimental group showed significantly higher improvement in post-test scores compared to those in the control group. Statistical analysis using paired-sample and independent-sample t-tests confirmed that the observed improvement was statistically significant and not due to chance. These results indicate that the THIEVES strategy effectively promotes active engagement, critical analysis, and deeper comprehension of reading texts. Therefore, the strategy is strongly recommended as an effective instructional approach for improving students’ critical reading skills in EFL classrooms.

This community service activity was carried out with the aim of optimizing community participation in the packaging of local potential-based tour packages in Tihingan Village. The main problem faced by the partner villages is not optimal utilization of cultural and natural potential due to limited capacity of Human Resources (HR), especially in the aspect of tourism services (hospitality), tour guide techniques, and foreign language proficiency. The This community service implementation method uses a participatory approach which includes initial observations, group discussion forums (FGDs), intensive training, field assistance, and collaborative preparation of tour packages. The results of the activity showed that Tihingan village has excellent potential in the form of traditional gamelan production that is still active, trekking trails, village cycling, and local culinary that can be packaged into an integrated tourism product. Through the mentoring process, three main tour packages were successfully prepared and there was an increase in community capacity and strengthening of local institutions. This Program has an impact on increasing community participation, the formation of a more systematic tourism product, and the growth of collective awareness of the importance of sustainable community-based tourism management

Shyness is one of the affective factors that often hinders students’ ability to speak English in the classroom, particularly in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts. This study aims to investigate students’ experiences of shyness in speaking English, identify the factors contributing to their shyness, and examine its impact on their speaking learning process. This research employed a qualitative descriptive approach. The participants were junior high school students who were involved in English learning activities during a community service program (KKN). Data were collected through an open-ended questionnaire consisting of 20 questions related to students’ attitudes, feelings, experiences, and coping strategies in speaking English. The findings reveal that most students experience nervousness, fear of making mistakes, and fear of being laughed at by peers when speaking English. Peer reactions, low self-confidence, limited vocabulary, and pronunciation difficulties were identified as the main factors causing shyness. Furthermore, shyness negatively affects students’ participation and willingness to practice speaking English in class. However, supportive teachers, group-based activities, and a relaxed learning atmosphere were found to help reduce students’ shyness. This study suggests that teachers should create a supportive and non-threatening classroom environment to enhance students’ confidence in speaking English.

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the use of the artificial intelligence-based application (AI-Based Application) Duolingo in improving vocabulary mastery of EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students in Indonesia. This study used a descriptive quantitative approach with a single-group pre-test and post-test design involving 20 students of class VII C of SMP Negeri 1 Mappakasunggu. Data were collected through vocabulary tests, questionnaires, and classroom observations. The results showed a significant increase in students' vocabulary mastery, marked by an increase in the average score from 61 (fair category) in the pre-test to 78 (good category) in the post-test. Most students gave a positive perception of the use of Duolingo, especially regarding the gamification features, instant feedback, and simple and attractive display, which can increase motivation and learning engagement. The results of the observation also showed that students were more active and enthusiastic in using this application compared to traditional learning methods. Thus, Duolingo can be said to be effective as an AI-based learning medium to improve vocabulary mastery of junior high school students in Indonesia.  

The aim of this study is to analyze verbal and non-verbal communication in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom by using the Sinclair and Coulthard (1975) model of classroom discourse. Although many studies have examined verbal interaction in EFL classrooms, few have discussed how verbal and non-verbal communication work together to support effective learning. To fill this gap, this research focuses on identifying the types and frequency of verbal and non-verbal communication used by the teacher and students during classroom interaction. This study used a descriptive qualitative method. The data were taken from an 80-minute video recording of an eleventh-grade English class at MAS Darul Quran. The recording was transcribed and analyzed based on Sinclair and Coulthard’s framework, which includes three main levels: Exchange (Informing, Directive, Question–Answer), Move (Initiation, Response, Feedback), and Act (Questioning, Explaining, Agreeing, Refusing, Revising, Appraising). The findings show that the classroom interaction was mainly teacher-centered. The teacher dominated the talk through Initiation moves, mostly in the form of questions, explanations, and instructions, while students gave short and simple responses. Feedback was used less often and mostly as short praise or confirmation. The teacher also used various non-verbal behaviors such as gestures, eye contact, movement, and changes in voice tone to direct attention and motivate students. The results suggest that combining verbal and non-verbal strategies can create a more interactive and engaging classroom atmosphere that supports student participation and understanding.

This study examines and critically analyzes speaking tasks in Netzwerk Neu A1.1 (Chapters 1–6) by evaluating their alignment with principles of German as a Foreign Language (DaF), Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT), and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Using qualitative content analysis, 26 speaking tasks were identified, coded, and categorized based on task type, CEFR communicative activity (spoken interaction or spoken production), interaction mode, and levels of learner output. The findings show that template-based tasks dominate the textbook, accounting for 69.2% of activities, while guided and free production tasks are relatively limited. Spoken interaction is the most prevalent communicative activity (76.9%), reflecting an emphasis on dialogic formats such as short exchanges and role plays. Although this design provides appropriate structural support for beginner learners, the limited use of open-ended and autonomous tasks may restrict the development of fluency, communicative flexibility, and strategic competence. Interviews with seven learners and two instructors reveal that while tasks are generally perceived as accessible and confidence-building, they are also considered repetitive and insufficiently authentic. The study underscores the need to balance structured support with opportunities for spontaneous language use in beginner DaF textbooks.