Using songs as media to improve vocabulary mastery is rarely used and different from what they usually get in the class. Songs give many advantages for
students. Not only as a media in learning vocabulary in class, but also they can sing songs at home. They are not only as the subject of the teaching process but
also as participant. Many Indonesian students find a lot of difficulties in learning English, since the rules of the language are different from those of their
Indonesian. Therefore, they always encounter problems dealing with the structure, pronunciation, spelling, vocabulary, etc. This due to the fact that vocabulary is
very important to help students improves their English. Nevertheless, their ability in mastering vocabulary is very low. M
any people have assumption that students’ mastery of English is unsatisfactory. As a result, using a media in teaching and
learning is very important to enrich vocabulary mastery. Subtitled English songs could be one of the best media to help children
learn the English words easily. Children can learn vocabulary of English songs and they also know meaning in Indonesia through subtitles in Indonesia. Songs
can helps students enrich their vocabulary mastery and improve their ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. The advantage of using this media is the
students can memorize the words of the songs in their mind. Besides, it is also a kind of fun and enjoyable activities and children are always interested in song.
1.2 Reasons for Choosing the Topic
The researcher chooses this topic because of some considerations. First, Teaching English vocabulary for junior high school students is not easy, because English is
not the first or second language, but it is a foreign language in Indonesia. Teachers have to make a different way to attract students’ attention.
In addition, subtitled English song is one way for a teacher to give an easy learning. Besides, almost everyone likes songs, so they can learn a lot of
vocabulary through subtitled English songs.
1.3 Statement of the Problem
Based on the background of the study and the reasons for choosing the topic, the aim of this research is to answer the following question:
How effective is subtitled English song compared to Grammar Translation Method in teaching vocabulary?
1.4 Purpose of the Study
In this research the researcher has one purpose to achieve which is: to explain the effectiveness of subtitled English songs in teaching vocabulary to
improve students’ vocabulary mastery compared to Grammar Translation Method.
1.5 Hypothesis
In a research, there are two kinds of hypothesis. They are working hypothesis and null hypothesis. Based on the problem on this study, the following working
hypothesis can be drawn as follow:
Hi: The use of subtitled English song is effective
to improve students’ vocabulary mastery, especially at the eighth grade students of SMPN 39
Semarang in the academic year 20142015.
1.6 Significance of the Study
Firstly, the writer hopes that this study will give significant advantage for the students, teachers, and the writer herself. The writer hopes the students can be
motivated in enriching their vocabulary through this subtitled English songs, and be more active and creative in their learning process.
Secondly, the advantage for teachers. The writer hopes that teachers can improve their strategy in teaching vocabulary, so that the problems in teaching-
learning process can be minimized. Teachers can use this media in the classroom to make teaching-learning process more interesting.
Lastly, this s tudy will improve writer’s ability in conducting teaching,
including strategies, techniques and managing class.
1.7 Outline of the Report
