This study explores the semantic fields of love and loss in Lord Huron’s song "The Night We Met," using a lexical semantics framework. Song lyrics, known for their emotional depth, serve as a rich source for analyzing affective meaning, particularly through word selection and repetition. The primary research question addresses how semantic fields are constructed within minimalist lyrical compositions to convey complex emotional states. In this analysis, a qualitative descriptive method is applied to examine the song's lexical items and group them into thematic semantic fields. The study finds that the song uses a concise set of lexemes connected to themes of memory, temporal disorientation, grief, and love. These thematic fields intertwine, interacting to depict a narrative that encapsulates unresolved emotional pain. Love and loss are not presented in isolation but are embedded in a broader emotional context, where words evoke both the sweetness of past affection and the sorrow of its absence. The overlap of these semantic fields reflects the internal conflict experienced by the narrator, torn between cherished memories and the painful realization of loss. The study concludes that despite the song’s brevity, the lyrics effectively evoke profound emotional responses through a meticulous choice of words and thematic consistency. The semantic fields constructed within the song illustrate how even minimal language can convey intense emotional content, providing valuable linguistic insight into the function of lyricism in popular music. The research demonstrates the ability of short, poignant lyrics to engage listeners emotionally, revealing how lyricists use limited language to encapsulate complex feelings of love and loss.

Speaking is an essential skill for learners of any foreign language, and English is no exception. However, many English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners experience significant challenges when it comes to speaking skills. This study aims to explore the views of students regarding the difficulties they face in speaking English and to identify potential solutions to these challenges. A case study method was employed, involving twenty-seven university students from Indonesia. The data were collected using questionnaires, which allowed the researchers to gather insights into students' perceptions and experiences with speaking English. The results revealed that the majority of participants, 71.6%, reported facing common difficulties such as the fear of making mistakes, fear of criticism, and general shyness. These emotional barriers significantly hindered their ability to speak confidently in class. Additionally, only 18.5% of the students actively participated in speaking activities during lessons, indicating a lack of engagement in oral communication. A significant number of students (96.3%) felt that they lacked sufficient knowledge of the subject matter, further impeding their ability to speak effectively. Moreover, 81.5% of the students admitted that they preferred to use their mother tongue, which they often spoke during English classes, as it was easier for them. These findings suggest that both emotional and knowledge-related issues play a crucial role in shaping the speaking abilities of EFL learners. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions that address both the emotional barriers and knowledge gaps in order to improve the speaking skills of EFL students.

This qualitative case study investigated the factors and impacts of English language learning anxiety among students at SMP Muhammadiyah Tanjungpinang. The research focused on students from the 7th, 8th, and 9th grades during the academic year 2024/2025. A total of 32 students across all grade levels were involved in the study. The researchers initially conducted classroom observations to identify students who exhibited signs of anxiety during English lessons. Based on these observations, eleven students were selected as participants for semi-structured interviews and more detailed classroom observations. The research aimed to explore how anxiety manifests in the classroom and how it affects students' language acquisition in a unique socio-educational environment. The data collected through interviews and observations were analyzed qualitatively by interpreting students’ responses and behavioral patterns in class. The findings revealed that three primary types of language anxiety—Communication Apprehension, Test Anxiety, and Fear of Negative Evaluation—were commonly experienced by the students. These forms of anxiety were often interconnected, compounding the emotional barriers students faced in English learning. One of the key contributing factors was the students’ fear of peer ridicule, especially within a tightly bonded student community. Many of the participants were affiliated with orphanages connected to the school, which created a unique emotional and social environment. This setting, while supportive in many ways, also contributed to heightened sensitivity to peer judgment and a strong fear of making mistakes. As a result, the affective filter among these students was notably high, significantly hindering their willingness to participate and ultimately affecting their English language acquisition.

This study aims to explore students' perceptions of creating digital video projects as a tool for teaching and improving speaking abilities. A descriptive qualitative research design was applied, involving 50 students enrolled in the Intermediate English course during the second semester of the Machine Automotive Study Programme at Politeknik Negeri Jember. Data collection techniques included questionnaires distributed via Google Forms, consisting of multiple-choice and open-ended questions, complemented by semi-structured interviews to gain deeper insights. The focus was on understanding how students perceive the effectiveness of digital video projects in enhancing their speaking skills and overall language learning experience. The findings revealed that most students had a positive attitude toward creating digital video projects, stating that such activities significantly enhanced their confidence, fluency, and pronunciation in English. Many participants emphasized that digital video projects encouraged them to practice speaking repeatedly, which contributed to reducing anxiety and improving their performance. The study also found a clear connection between students' intrinsic motivation to improve their speaking skills and the perceived benefits of completing digital video tasks. Additionally, students highlighted the creative aspect of video-making, which fostered collaboration, critical thinking, and self-expression. The role of the lecturer was identified as crucial in guiding students throughout the project, particularly in overcoming technical and linguistic challenges. The study concludes that integrating digital video projects into speaking lessons not only improves speaking ability but also motivates learners to take active participation in language learning.

This research discusses the impact of smartphone use on the academic performance of 11th-grade students at SMAN 1 Suak Tapeh. The development of technology, especially the use of smartphones, has a significant impact on people's lives, including in the field of education. The use of smartphones can have both positive and negative effects on students' academic performance. The research adopts a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. Primary data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation, while secondary data were obtained from relevant documents or archives. The findings reveal that smartphones have positive effects, such as facilitating access to learning materials, enhancing creativity, and broadening knowledge. However, uncontrolled smartphone use can lead to negative effects, such as addiction, sleep disturbances, decreased concentration, and diminished quality of social interactions. This study is expected to provide insights into the benefits and risks of smartphone use in supporting students' learning processes and offer recommendations for schools in designing policies related to smartphone use among students.

This study investigates directive speech acts in Chapter 1 of the Japanese manga *Dandadan*, focusing on how characters use language to influence others’ behavior. The objective is to classify the types of directive utterances and analyze their pragmatic functions based on the speaker and context. A qualitative descriptive method was employed, using pragmatic theory to analyze speech data taken directly from dialogue panels. The analysis identified nine instances of directive speech acts, which include commands, prohibitions, invitations, and requests. Ayase Momo emerges as the character who produces the most directive utterances, predominantly in the form of commands and prohibitions, indicating her dominant and assertive communication style. Okarun, in contrast, tends to use polite requests and prohibitions, suggesting a more cautious and respectful approach. The findings reveal that the types of directive speech acts used are closely related to each character’s personality and the emotional context of the scene. These results underscore the role of speech acts in character development and narrative dynamics within manga. The study’s implication lies in showing how linguistic choices in manga dialogue reflect interpersonal power relations and emotional intensity. Future research is encouraged to explore directive speech acts across multiple chapters for broader insights.

This study aims to explore the role of metacognitive awareness in improving the speaking performance of hospitality vocational students. Using a mixed-methods design, this study involved 50 students of the Prasetiya Mandiri Polytechnic and combined quantitative data from the adapted Metacognitive Awareness Inventory (MAI) as well as role-play-based speaking tests, with qualitative data from in-depth interviews. The results of correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship (r = 0.65) between metacognitive scores and speaking performance. The most dominant metacognitive strategies reported by students included self-monitoring during speaking and post-task reflection. These findings reveal that students with high metacognitive awareness tend to be able to manage their communication more effectively in professional situations. Research implications include the importance of integrating metacognitive training in vocational curricula, such as through reflective journals and communication strategy guides. The study also highlights a curriculum gap, where only 32% of respondents reported having received explicit training related to metacognitive strategies. Limitations include small sample sizes, so it is recommended that follow-up studies be conducted longitudinally and across institutions.
 
 

Students are the next generation of the nation and need to be equipped with information or news that is up-to-date and contains positive and motivating values. This can be influenced by the use of good and correct language in providing information that can be accounted for its truth. The lack of critical reading literacy can affect the application of values ??and mindsets of each individual. The development of increasingly sophisticated technology also has positive and negative impacts, especially in the use of inappropriate language that has an impact on misunderstandings related to the intent and purpose of information. In addition, the news presented does not match the elements of the news text, causing chaos, misunderstanding, and the emergence of hoax news that is easily spread to the public. This study aims to help students analyze the structure and language that is good and correct in the news text used as a learning resource. This study is also expected to provide both theoretical and practical benefits. Theoretically, the results of this study can be one of the literature on news texts that contain linguistic analysis found in online newspaper media. In addition, this study does not only discuss language, but also provides information or understanding regarding the characteristics of each online newspaper media that can be considered as a learning resource in schools. Practically, the results of this study are expected to be useful for teachers to understand and meet students' needs according to the competencies to be achieved in the learning process. In addition, the results of this study are expected to prevent language errors, especially in news texts so that the information conveyed can be well received by the public, especially students.

The drama Woman Talking has many feminist values can be found, especially about gender equality, women’s freedom, and moving away from patriarchy. The values shown in this film are already being practiced today, where women and men are seen as equals in terms of rights and opportunities. These important ideas inspire writers to explore them more deeply, aiming to raise awareness among men so they do not look down on women. This study aims to examine the representation of feminism in Women Talking, a drama directed by Sarah Polley. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, this research analyzes the film’s narrative and dialogue to explore how the women fight for bodily autonomy, voice, and the freedom to choose their own paths. The results indicate that Women Talking has five of six types of feminism theory, which the liberal feminism is the largest one with 39%, and then radical feminism 32%, traditional marxist feminism 16%, socialist feminism 12%, and the last is postmodern feminism 6%. This drama has no dialog that talking about critical race feminisim. The findings show that Women Talking is not only a space for the expression of voices long silenced, but also a quiet yet powerful form of collective resistance against systemic oppression.

Language is a means of communication used by humans to interact, express ideas, and build social relationships. Indonesian, as both the national and official language, plays a significant role in the lives of the Indonesian people. In addition to serving as a national identity, it functions as a unifying tool for the country's diverse ethnicities, cultures, and regional languages. This study aims to explain the functions of Indonesian as the national and official language, as well as to examine its language varieties based on usage situations, communication media, and fields of application. The research uses a library research method by exploring and analyzing various relevant literature, including academic books, journal articles, conference proceedings, and official documents. The findings indicate that Indonesian has various forms depending on the context and communication situation. These include formal and informal language, spoken and written forms, and variations based on specific fields such as science, law, journalism, and literature. This diversity reflects the flexibility of Indonesian in meeting the communication needs of society. Beyond being a communication tool, Indonesian also plays important social and cultural roles by strengthening social bonds and serving as a medium for preserving and developing national culture.