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Konferensi Int ernasional Kesusast raan XXII UNY-HISKI, 2012
2.1. The Role of Local Literatures
Having difficulties in learning English for I ndonesian students, English teacher decide that it is time to use local literature works as part of the materials in their teaching
and learning activities. Why the uses of local literature works are important now? The answer is the local literatures works have the same characteristics as the West literature
works. Hong 1987, Herawati 2008 and Soemartono 2008 also support this statement. Local Literature works have universal and similar values such as tragedies,
comedies, legends, and folklores. The elements found in Western literatures are the same as the elements found in the local literatures. The local literature also consists of the
elements of literature: plot, characters, setting, point of view, style, tone, idea theme, and moral values. These elements can be discussed and explore in depth.
There are many local literature works can be used in English language learning process such as translated local literature works such as : Laskar Pelagi, Sang Pemimpi,
Saman, Mereka Bilang Saya Monyet, Kumpulan Cerita Rakyat I ndonesia Timun Mas, Bawang Putih dan Bawang Merah, Bandung Bondowoso dan Roro Jongrang, Joko Tarub,
The myth of Tangkuban Perahu etc. Moreover, using local literature works as multicultural studies. I t can enrich the cultural diversity and cross cultural understanding
in multi ethnic and multi lingua background.
2.2. The Benefits and I mpact of using local literature
There are some reasons why the local literature works are used in English language learning. Students of course have many benefits. First, using the local literature
works, students can easily understand and absorb the language of the story. They already have known the story. They can retell, rewrite and perform the story into drama or play
performance based on chosen stories. Second, the students are interested in learning English as media of communication. They will explore in depth their own culture- the
histories, customs, norms and values. Third, they also learn their own culture and they are very proud of their culture. They are the ‘voice’ of their own culture. Showing their
identity and uniqueness, they will speak up their I ndonesian culture to the world. This opinions are supported by Kern 2000 that “multiple perspectives on literacy is that
literacy can be viewed as a technique, a set language skills, as set of cognitive abilities, as a group of social practices.” By doing rewriting, retelling and performing the stories,
students can have linguistic and cognitive literacy. I n other words, they have skills in writing and speaking. They reproduce the stories with their own words. I t means that
they have abilities in mastery writing and speaking skill or they have cognitive competencies both declarative- to present the idea, facts and definitions and procedural
knowledge- to have ability to rewrite the stories Moreover, knowing their own culture- histories, customs and values, they have social cultural literacy. Students are aware
about their culture and identity and they are pride their own heritage. They become the ’voice’ of their own culture showing their own uniqueness.
Using local literature works infuses the seven principle of literacy as stated in Kern 2000: 16-17. First, literacy involves interpretation that requires declarative and
procedural knowledge. Second, literacy involves collaboration that students can rewrite the stories with their own words. Third, literacy involves conventions that students know
the linguistic, cognitive and social pattern as well as culturally construed. Fourth, literacy
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Konferensi Int ernasional Kesusast raan XXII UNY-HISKI, 2012
involves cultural knowledge that students know the cultural system both inside and outside the system. Fifth, literacy involves problem solving that students know the
language as the tool in expressing the idea. Sixth, literacy involves reflection and self- reflection that students know the relationship between language and words. Seventh,
literacy involves language use that students have linguistic, cognitive and social knowledge. I n other words, students can use language that is English as a media
communication.
2.3. The implementation of Local Literature in the Teaching and Learning Activities.
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