LITE: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, dan Budaya

Implementing MALL approach in teaching Indonesian imperatives to Korean learners

Nur Utami Sari'at Kurniati — 2026-03-31

The study examines the use of smartphone applications as a tool in teaching Indonesian to university students in South Korea. This case study specifically examines the implementation of the Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) approach in teaching Indonesian imperatives. This type of sentence does not contain complex affixes, and it is commonly used in everyday speech. The study involves 15 Korean learners, 11 females and four males, enrolled in the Elementary Indonesian class. They were freshmen, and none of them had ever resided in Indonesia. Data are collected through documentation from screen-recorded tutorial videos on using smartphone applications. There were 97 imperative sentences from 15 videos, which have an average duration of 1 minute and 12 seconds. The findings reveal that as many as 83.6% of the total number of imperatives in the videos are grammatically correct in terms of phonological, morphological, syntactical, and semantic aspects. The result on the pronunciation shows a simplification process in the pronunciation of Indonesian consonant clusters, sound changes, and neutralization. On the morphological level, there were some cases in which wrong forms of the verbs were used. The syntactical analysis indicates wrong phrase and sentence structure, in particular the second type of Indonesian passive sentence. The semantic level indicates that the incorrect word choice leads to the wrong meaning of the message.

Karolina Shiino as an arena of exclusion and negotiation of the Japanese national identity

Paramita Winny Hapsari — 2026-03-31

This study examines exclusionary discourses, panoptic aesthetics, and the construction of national identity in the controversy surrounding Karolina Shiino’s victory at Miss Japan 2024. Drawing on Foucault’s concepts of power/knowledge and the surveillance of the body, this study analyzes 59 Twitter posts and seven news articles from both national and international media. A critical discourse analysis approach was employed to identify narrative patterns, mechanisms of social surveillance, and the limits of inclusivity in representations of “Japaneseness.” The findings reveal that social media discourse was largely dominated by Japanese users questioning Shiino’s authenticity as a national representative, while mainstream media demonstrated varied stances. Some reinforced blood-based nationalism, while others opened discursive space for alternative perspectives. This dynamic illustrates how women’s bodies in beauty pageants become contested symbolic sites for negotiating national identity. The study highlights the need to understand the interplay between social and institutional media in shaping national narratives.

Representation of the life of visual sensory disabilities in religious poetry: A semiotic study by Roland Barthes

Irfai Fathurohman — 2026-04-30

This study examines the representation of the life experiences of individuals with visual sensory disabilities in religious poetry through Roland Barthes’ semiotic framework. The research aims to identify (1) denotative meanings, (2) connotative meanings, and (3) myths embedded in the poems. This study employs a qualitative descriptive method with a narrative approach. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation at the Pendowo Social Service Center for Visual Sensory Disabilities (PPSDSN) in Kudus Regency. The data consist of words, symbols, and expressions found in religious poems written by individuals with visual sensory disabilities. Data analysis was conducted using heuristic and hermeneutic techniques. The findings reveal that denotative meanings reflect everyday experiences, emotional relationships, and expressions of gratitude. Connotative meanings uncover deeper symbolic interpretations related to faith, resilience, hope, and spiritual dependence. Meanwhile, the myths identified represent broader socio-cultural ideologies, including divine love as a source of strength, the acceptance of limitations, and spirituality as a means of overcoming loneliness and social marginalization. The novelty of this study lies in applying Barthes’ semiotic analysis to disability literature, particularly religious poetry, which remains underexplored. This research contributes to expanding literary studies on disability by highlighting poetry as a medium of spiritual expression and social representation.

Instrument testing for descriptive text writing on the cosmological axis of Yogyakarta and its historical landmarks for BIPA level 5

Nova Diadara — 2026-03-30

BIPA learning is inseparable from cultural learning. This study aims to validate and test a writing instrument for descriptive texts containing the tourism of the Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta for BIPA Level 5. The novelty of this research lies in the integration of the historical-cultural values of the Cosmological Axis into an authentic portfolio writing-based assessment for foreign learners. This study uses the ADDIE Research and Development (R&D) model with an exploratory descriptive approach. The research subjects consisted of three expert validators, two academics who are competent in the fields of Indonesian language teaching, assessment, or BIPA curriculum, and one BIPA practitioner who is experienced in managing productive learning. In addition, two BIPA Level 5 students were involved as limited trial participants. The validation analysis results indicate that the developed instrument consistently falls into the feasible to highly feasible categories across all expert validators. Furthermore, the limited trial results prove that this instrument is effective; the learners were able to follow the portfolio writing process well and correctly understand the cultural concepts of the Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta. Theoretically, this research contributes to enriching the literature on the development of BIPA assessments integrated with local culture (the Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta) and digital media (Notion). Practically, this instrument serves as a valid and comprehensive evaluation tool for teachers, and can be utilized as an independent learning resource for BIPA Level 5 learners.

The Representation of the matrialineal tribe in Indonesia

Lulu Fahkrunisa — 2026-03-30

This study examines the evolving representation of gender roles and cultural identity within the Minangkabau matrilineal system through a critical analysis of three seminal Indonesian novels three Indonesian novels: Siti Nurbaya, Never the Twain, and The Land of Five Towers. Employing a qualitative-interpretive method grounded in Gramsci’s theory of cultural hegemony, the research analyzes how power relations, traditions, and ideological negotiations are reflected across colonial and modern contexts. The findings reveal a significant transformation in gender representation. Women are initially portrayed as moral anchors bound by adat (customary law) and sacrifice, but later emerge as visionary figures who guide families toward a synthesis of tradition and modernity. Meanwhile, men negotiate their peripheral domestic role through merantau (migration), which functions as a counter-hegemonic strategy enabling them to gain intellectual and social capital. Furthermore, the study highlights the evolving relationship between adat and Islam, shifting from conflict toward a hybrid hegemony encapsulated in the philosophy Adat Basandi Syarak, Syarak Basandi Kitabullah. The study concludes that contemporary Minangkabau identity reflects a resilient integration of matrilineal tradition, Islamic values, and global modernity, as represented in literary discourse.

Learning from the internship

Akhmad Saifudin — 2026-03-30

This study examines how empirical data derived from internship programs in Japan can be systematically utilized to integrate Japanese corporate needs into the curriculum design of Japanese Studies programs in Indonesia. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach with an exploratory orientation, the research involved field monitoring, semi-structured interviews with Japanese host company representatives, Indonesian internship students, and intermediary agencies (kumiai), as well as document analysis of internship evaluations and curriculum materials. The findings reveal that Japanese companies prioritize competencies beyond linguistic proficiency, particularly professionalism and work ethics, workplace cultural literacy, strategic communication skills, and psychosocial readiness. The study further identifies a significant mismatch between language-oriented curricula and the multidimensional competencies required in Japanese workplace contexts. Through thematic analysis, four core competency domains were formulated: professionalism and work ethics, workplace cultural literacy, strategic communication, and mental readiness and adaptability. These competencies constitute the empirical basis for an industry-integrated curriculum model that positions internship programs not merely as experiential learning activities but also as continuous feedback mechanisms for curriculum development. The novelty of this study lies in its institutional and curriculum-oriented reconceptualization of internship programs by integrating industry expectations, student experiences, and intermediary agency perspectives into a unified curriculum framework. The findings contribute to studies on work-integrated learning and curriculum internationalization and provide practical implications for Japanese Studies programs seeking to align academic preparation with global workplace demands.

Cross-cultural pragmatics of political apologies

Nur Lailiyah — 2026-05-13

This study investigates the pragmatic dimensions of political apologies in the context of public scandals, with particular emphasis on face management strategies and image restoration efforts. Drawing upon Brown, et al. (2023) politeness theory and Benoit’s (2022) image restoration theory, this study analyzes 50 political apologies delivered by politicians from five democratic countries the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and Australia between 2013 and 2023. Data were collected from official transcripts, video recordings, and media coverage, and were examined through the lens of critical discourse analysis. The findings reveal significant variations in both linguistic and non-linguistic strategies. American politicians tend to emphasize personal responsibility and corrective actions. In the United Kingdom, apologies are more implicit, often centering on expressions of regret. French politicians frequently contextualize wrongdoing within broader socio-political discourses. In Japan, apologies typically involve profound gestures and expressions of shame. Meanwhile, Australian politicians often employ self-deprecating humor to diffuse tension. This study contributes to a cross-cultural understanding of face management in political discourse and highlights the importance of cultural intelligence in global crisis communication. The practical implications include guidelines for crafting culturally sensitive apologies to enhance the effectiveness of image restoration efforts for politicians in the aftermath of scandals.

The Pragmatic functions of bikago in Japanese honorific speech

Elisa Carolina Marion — 2026-03-31

This study investigates bikago, a type of keigo or honorific form in Japanese, as represented in the historical drama Asa ga Kita. The primary aim is to analyze the use of bikago in relation to the five communicative elements proposed by Kabaya: interpersonal relationships (ningen kankei), place (ba), feelings (kimochi), content (nakami), and delivery form (katachi). Drama Asa ga Kita narrates the story of a tomboyish young woman who enter the male dominated business world during a time of significant social change in Meiji period. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach, applying thematic analysis to selected dialogues. The findings reveal that bikago frequently appears in contexts with ba levels of 0 or +1, exerting particular influence on the nakami element of communication. Moreover, while some words retain their meaning without bikago, others require the prefixes o- or go- to be meaningful and appropriately interpreted. The results further demonstrate that these prefixes function not only morphologically but also pragmatically, serving as strategies to mark politeness, convey emotion, and construct social identity. Datas from the drama illustrate how bikago is strategically employed across different interpersonal relationships, settings, and communicative purposes, thereby reflecting the cultural expectations of the Meiji period. Theoretically, this study contributes to Japanese pragmatics by situating bikago within broader discussions of identity, gender, and social status. Practically, the findings highlight the importance of incorporating bikago into Japanese language pedagogy to enhance learners’ pragmatic competence and cultural awareness.

Social–cultural impacts of Bugis-Makassar diaspora in Malaysia (1666–1669)

Nahdia Nur — 2026-03-31

This study investigates the Bugis–Makassar diaspora in Malaysia during 1666–1669 and its role in shaping socio-cultural relations in the Malay Peninsula. The research aims to identify the factors driving the migration, describe the settlement and interaction patterns that formed in the region, and analyze the long-term socio-cultural impacts of the diaspora. Using a qualitative method with a historical and descriptive-analytical approach, the study draws on primary sources such as colonial archives, historical documents, and manuscripts, supported by secondary sources including scholarly books and academic studies. Data were examined through heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. The results show that the Bugis–Makassar diaspora developed extensive settlement and trade networks in major coastal centers such as Johor, Selangor, Kedah, and Riau. Their interactions with local Malay communities facilitated cultural exchange through intermarriage, shared traditions, and the emergence of hybrid identities. The diaspora also strengthened regional economic activity through maritime trade, resource management, and the transfer of navigational and craftsmanship knowledge. These processes produced lasting socio-cultural linkages between Indonesia and Malaysia, visible in shared cultural practices and intergenerational continuity within Bugis communities in Malaysia. The originality of this study lies in its comprehensive historical analysis that positions diaspora as a transformative socio-cultural force rather than a mere population movement, offering insights into the role of migration in shaping long-term regional connections in Southeast Asia.

Pragmatic analysis of flexing through impression management in the television series Suits

Shelly Salammah — 2026-03-30

Flexing, commonly understood as showing off material possessions or achievements, has gained prominence in social interactions, particularly among youth. This study examines flexing from a pragmatic perspective, applying Goffman's Impression Management theory to analyze the linguistic strategies employed in the television series Suits. Using qualitative descriptive methods, the research identifies various impression management tactics such as ingratiation, intimidation, self-promotion, exemplification, and supplication as manifested in characters' dialogues. The findings reveal that flexing is a complex communicative strategy for constructing and negotiating social identity and status through language rather than merely superficial boasting. This linguistic approach enriches existing literature focusing on psychological and sociological aspects by highlighting language as a performative tool in social hierarchy reproduction. Moreover, the study discusses the educational implications of flexing behaviours in shaping student social dynamics and suggests pedagogical strategies for educators to foster healthier communication environments. Limitations include reliance on fictional media as data sources, warranting further empirical research in real educational contexts. This research contributes to the interdisciplinary understanding of communication, pragmatics, and education in the digital age.