Local Values in English Teaching and Learning Process | yuliastuti | Jurnal Sastra dan Budaya Dinamika 244 596 1 PB
Local Values in English Teaching and Learning Process
Dra. Anicleta Yuliastuti, M.Hum.
[email protected]
Abstract
Teaching and learning English have for so long been seen as approaches to superior language but
ignoring the values inside. This paper has purpose on saying that local values should also cope with
English language as counter-culture for foreign values. Through library studies method in this paper,
the conditions and perceptions of English language are understood through tensions between local and
foreign values. Local values in English teaching and learning process should be maintained to promote
values in keeping its dynamic openness of identities towards others; not only foreign, but also local
ones. The main finding is to make use of English as a means or a media to promote and elevate
local values to the world. It is mentioned to underline cultural local values found by putting
them next to foreign ones. Opening understanding through connections between textbooks and daily
life could enhance creativity and responsibility in relations with others. Overall, interpretations on
foreign languages should always be kept open to build chances and choices to elevate local values
compared to foreign ones.
Keywords
Counter-Culture, Cultural Strategy, English Language, Identity, Local Values, Teaching and Learning
Process
Abstrak
Mengajar dan belajar bahasa Inggris telah lama dipandang sebagai pendekatan kepada bahasa yang
superior namun dengan mengabaikan budaya lokal. Tulisan ini menjelaskan bahwa nilai lokal
sebaiknya bisa berdampingan dengan bahasa Inggris sebagai budaya-tandingan bagi nilai luar. Melalui
metode pustaka dalam tulisan ini, pemahaman tentang kondisi dan persepsi bahasa Inggris dipahami
melalui tegangan antara nilai lokal dan asing. Nilai lokal dalam proses belajar dan mengajar bahasa
Inggris sebaiknya terus diadakan untuk mendukung nilai tersebut dalam kerangka identitas yang
terbuka dan dinamis terhadap yang lain; baik luar maupun lokal itu sendiri. Temuan utamanya adalah
bahasa Inggris merupakan sebuah alat atau media untuk memromosikan sekaligus mengangkat
nilai budaya lokal. Hal tersebut dimaknai dalam rangka menyejajarkan nilai lokal dengan nilai
asing. Membuka pemahaman tentang hubungan riil antara buku diktat dan kehidupan sehari-hari dapat
mendorong kreativitas dan rasa tanggung jawab dalam relasi dengan yang lain. Secara keseluruhan,
interpretasi dalam bahasa asing harus terus terbuka untuk membangun berbagai kesempatan maupun
pilihan untuk mengangkat nilai lokal bila kemudian dibandingkan dengan yang asing.
Kata Kunci
Bahasa Inggris, Budaya-Tandingan, Identitas, Nilai Lokal, Proses Belajar dan Mengajar, Strategi
Budaya
329
Cultural Strategy: Local Values in
clone other language. More than just
English Teaching and Learning Process
dictations, it is intention to culture that
Globalization does not have single
should come to attain local values to face
consequences so that opportunities still
globalization. Therefore, we should take
always can be realized.1 Meanwhile, we
problems on how should cultural values be
still can not be sure what globalization has
elevated to face globalization just like
brought us in today's era.On a hand, the
foreign one be adopted in Indonesia.
process
indeed
brings
in
many
opportunities to be participated in global
Integrating
era. On another hand, it is also dangerous
Character Building
Local
Values
Through
because of its implications on local
The problems between language
aspects. As the opposite of global, local
and globalization should be solved by
aspects
in
dynamicities of cultural values. Since we
globalization. Learning English will also
can not limit the flow of globalization, we
be contested with the existence of local
should build such character to elevate local
values. Even we may still not totally
values so that it could be understood too
choose between local or global aspects
from
because of its complexities, but local
crisscrossing
values could always be disregarded by the
maintained. English language is foreign
rising English language in Indonesia.
one, but since it has been taught since
come
to
be
contested
English
learning.
values
It
that
is
about
should
be
childhood in Indonesia, wisdom of it
From the passage above, cultural
strategies should be built to make local
should
be
understood
too.
Learning
values to be important in English teaching
English is not about having prestige on
and learning process. The main purpose
language superiority, but it is a tool of
here is clear; to shape local cultural values
communication to spread ideas. If prestige
to be counter-culture for foreign issues.2
comes to be the main idea, it is just about
Learning local culture is different since it
being special which is out of having
is about to dig own ideas rather than just
relations with others.
There are earlier researches that
1
Anthony Elliott and Charles Lemert, 2014,
Introduction to Contemporary Social Theory,
London:Routledge, p. 413.
2
Budiono Kusumohamidjojo,2009,Filsafat
Kebudayaan: Proses Realisasi
Manusia,Yogyakarta:Jalasutra, p. 53.
have been made to show perceptions about
local values on English language. First, an
article made by Syaifur Rochman titled
330
"Persepsi
Pengajar
Inggris
Suatu Strategi Pengembangan Budaya
terhadap Pengajaran Bahasa Menggunakan
Global".4 This article was written to
Metode Berdasarkan Nilai-Nilai Budaya
explain
Barat
STAIN
interdisciplinary curriculum should be
how
maintained in real connections between
language
what is taught and its functions on daily
learning should be taken in bilingual class.
life. Through contextual teaching and
It is inevitable that learning foreign
learning, English language materials are
language should be based on customs and
taught in the context of Balinese culture.
traditions of the language itself. Indeed,
They said that functions on English
studying manuscripts on English is used to
language should be correlated on topic-
elevate science understanding. Moreover,
based
learning English should also include such
development then also should be built to
competences as sociolinguistic, strategy,
shape soft skill, not just about learning
and discourse beside its grammatical
textbooks. By finding themes on Balinese
orders. This communicative idea is needed
culture, those could be integrated with
to explore contextual aspects of language.
English
Many students in Indonesia still do not
should also come to be facilitators rather
take attention when are taught with things
than be people to dictate their disciples.
(Studi
Purwokerto)".3
communicative
Bahasa
Kasus
He
di
explained
approach
in
outside books. Implementations between
how
language.
learning.
integrated
and
Research
Moreover,
and
teachers
Third, another research by Sukarno
foreign and local methods should always
titled
be explored so that learning English could
Teaching English as a Foreign Language
also seem to put in its contextual ideas.
for Character Building".5 He explained
"Integrating
Local
Cultures
in
Second, another research by Ni
that students' daily lives should be
Ketut Suciani, I Made Subur, and I Made
involved in teaching-learning process. By
Rai Jaya Widanta tittled "Pembelajaran
having
Bahasa Inggris Berkonteks Budaya Bali:
4
inclusive
and
supportive
Ni Ketut Suciani, I Made Subur, and I Made Rai
Jaya Widanta,2012, Pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris
Berkonteks Budaya Bali: Suatu Strategi
Pengembangan Budaya Global, Stilistetika Tahun I
Volume
1,
Nopember
2012,
http://www.slideshare.net/fpbsikippgribali/pembela
jaran-bahasa-inggris-berkonteks-budaya-bali15880435, accessed on May 10th 2015.
5
Sukarno, 2012, Integrating Local Cultures in
Teaching English as a Foreign Language for
Character Building, Jurnal Pendidikan Karakter,
Tahun II, Nomor 2, Juni 2012.
3
Syaifur Rohman, nd, Persepsi Pengajar Bahasa
Inggris
terhadap
Pengajaran
Bahasa
Menggunakan Metode Berdasarkan Nilai-Nilai
Budaya Barat (Studi Kasus di STAIN Purwokerto),
Menggagas Pencitraan Berbasis Kearifan Lokal,
(online)
in
komunikasi.unsoed.ac.id/sites/default/files/61.syaif
ur%20rochman-unsoed.pdf, accessed on May 10th
2015.
331
environment, both teachers and students
as taken for granted, but taken on its
could focus and discuss the contents and
connections to learners' daily lives.
language elements existing in the texts
both in syntax and semantic aspects such
Dynamic Aspects of Local Values in
as moral values, living values, and
Everyday Life
Dynamic points of local language
wisdoms. These features that actually
should be taken for students in language
can
learning, so that meaningful texts could
distinctions on its values. Cultural values
also
are
conserving
cultural
values
and
not
be
maintained
understood
in
of
both
life,
without
ideas
not
its
and
heritages. Moreover, having those ideas
manifestations
through
should also elevate appropriateness in
superiority of another. They are verbs
using foreign language. Being polite,
which could shape nouns rather than just
respectful, and caring are examples of
nouns to be labeled on persons. Through
characters that should be lived in learning
this view, Cornelis Anthonie van Peursen
language. Those things both need teachers'
sees cultural strategies on three kinds of
ideas and sensitivity to explore cultural
ideas; myth, ontology, and functional
and foreign ideas and students' interests in
aspects to explain how cultural values be
knowing more than just texts but also
moved among and beyond people.6 On the
meaningful ones.
side of myth, cultural values are seen as
researches
parts to be believed. People do not ask
above, learning English contextually is
whether it is true or not since it is thought
important. It is not about studying rules
and practiced everyday. This part indicates
but also its connections with daily lives.
transcendence categories of culture. It is
English is a language of the world but only
beyond people but at the same time
to common one while its specialities still
immanent on human life. Other side is
involved in cultural values. Therefore,
ontology through philosophical ideas. In
studying English should also include local
this aspect, people keep their distance to
ones. Many things could be explored
understand cultural values. Different from
afterwards to show connections between
myth which people believe in, ontology
local and foreign ideas from English
view sees science to be more systematic
perspectives. Beside, openness should be
than knowledge. Knowledge is there but
From
three
earlier
between teachers and students, so that
6
Cornelis Anthonie van Peursen, 1988, Strategi
Kebudayaan (trans.), Yogyakarta:Kanisius, p. 18.
what are taught could be accepted not just
332
its epistemic ideas need to be attained here.
Semantic perspectives of language
Another side is functional which shows
could release minds on seeing cultural
cultural values in communication frames
strategies also as perspective of culture. D.
which come to work. This aspect makes
Paul Schafer states that there are many
people to be open for others. By opening
perspectives of cultural strategies through
self, identities of cultural values are
its sights.8 General culture indicates how
understood from inside to outside, from
there are same values among languages. It
liquidization of the self to social relations.7
is not to generalize but to build bridges in
It is not just thought or distanced, more of
order to shape such dialogues among
it, it tries to understand relations among
civilizations. Own culture is seen as how
people. By understanding relations, its
people identify themselves on their own
dinamicity of communication could be
values. It is made inside people and
realized because of both internal and
relations among them. Other's culture is
external relations that may come within
shown on otherness. People are different
people.
from external others. What is the same also
Those three terms show how
indicates what is the other. Creative and
cultural values are enclosed in viewing
constructive culture is indeed the main
sameness and otherness. We may see that
focus of cultural strategies. By mentioning
each view of them is not total definition
strategies also means that the culture
among others but cultural values are
should always be ready to open to others.
complex both in ideas and practices.
By looking at local values as counter-
Language
practiced
culture, domination of English language
everyday but also constructed by fixed
could be eroded. Since so, it should be
systems. Meanwhile, its semantic values
constructive by not giving hatred to other
bridge thought and life. Language as
language because the main idea here is to
values should be taken in present time. In
widen understanding and not to localize
present, language is dynamic because it
own values. It is ethic on openness that
indicates freedom and repression within. It
could
is freedom because it could be taken
definitions, but delimitation of contents.
is
structure
that
be
considered,
not
through
beyond common understanding while it is
also repression seen from its conflict.
8
D. Paul Schafer, 2008, Revolution or
Renaissance: Making the Transition from an
Economic
Age
to
a
Cultural
Age,
Ottawa:University of Ottawa Press, p. 25-26.
7
Pip Jones, Liz Bradbury, and Shaun Le Boutillier,
2011, Introducing Social Theory, Cambridge :
Polity Press, p. 204.
333
Contextual
Learning
as
may just about structures and rules of
Cultural
grammar, but contextual learning is about
Strategies
It should be said that English
bringing in connected ideas between them.
language is about medium in indicating
Tasks to translate should also issue
cultural strategies. More than just about
flexibility and smoothness of language. It
object to be learned, contextual learning
is not just about taking a word from a
also
in
language to another, but also cultural one.
importance of character building. Having
Learning about synonyms could best be a
contextual ideas also mean to find
good start to compare terms and idioms
connections between local and foreign
among those two languages. For example,
values. It does not totally mean to find
we can not say "I school in Surabaya" in
sameness between them, but to elevate
translation
local values in order to be understood
Surabaya" because it should be "I go to
through foreign frames.
school on Surabaya.". There are difference
include
foreign
language
to
"Saya
bersekolah
di
Somehow, it is so practical that
between them so that we can not say that
contextual ideas should be applied in the
one of them is right and another is wrong.
strategies. It is so relative about the values,
Indeed, it needs flexibility to understand
but the structures of contextual ideas may
the contexts between languages. It is not
be applied here. The purposes are also
about translations, but relations among
clear; to elevate local values by not
languages. Richness of English language
undermining foreign values too. The
could be advantages to study that language
structures then should be fit based on its
in corresponding to local values. By
classes. Fitting materials to its appropriate
showing possibilities of synonyms and
places may be useful for learners to find
antonyms on sentences, students are urged
values for themselves too.
to understand more about what they are
learning.
From things which have been
explained above, from the problems of
Second, taking foreign wisdoms to
language and globalization to dynamic and
be related to local ones is closed to
character building values, actions should
contextual one. We should also open about
be formulated in integrating local values as
others' values because some of them
cultural strategies; First, local and English
relates well in relations among people. For
values should not be just taken as
example, foreign ideas about appreciating
translations between them. Translations
individuals also relates to community. The
334
values of queueing is good to be applied to
including showing emotions. It is also
learning language. To obey law in foreign
important about terms and idioms. In
idea is also good to be taken. To have
Javanese idioms, "nabok nyilih tangan"
foreign methods on educations also should
could not be translated easily in foreign
be maintained on local culture as well.
language, which is the same as "redneck",
Meanwhile, it will be better to put them
"superlicious",
contextual by local values. Individualities
Contextual ideas actually show how
on foreign values should not be taken on
meanings are involved in language, it is
full manners since it could also erode
not about grammatical rules, but how it is
relations with people. Ideas in foreign
meant and practiced by societies. We
countries that children are considered adult
could always take examples on local
after 18 years old and could do anything is
practices on customs and cultural ones to
different from Indonesian people. We still
maintain
have certain values that should be kept
difference and sameness of languages.
or
knowledge
"ginger-haired".
of
learners
on
Fourth, comparing texts between
including respecting the elders.
Third, contextual ideas should also
local and foreign one could be a nice
include other aspects beside grammatical
contribution to contextual learning. Once
rules.
teachers explained a text on English
Those
aspects
are
dialects,
intonations, pronunciations, idioms, and
words,
many other richness of language. For
comparisons to local ones. Those texts
example, there are young people of
include reading, grammar, and speaking
Indonesia who do not know English at all
ones. Those three are usually explained
but saying to be so just by talking like
only by rules, but on contextual learning is
gangsters in United States. They may say
to explore which are different from them.
that it is symbol of freedom, but it should
For example, by analyzing texts on foreign
not
newspapers about an issue, it will be good
be
applied
in
swearing
words.
they
show
also
national
show
and
its
Intonations are also important to show
also
how foreign people show their anger,
perspectives about it. From that point,
sadness, and empathy compared to local
learners or students could understand the
dialects. From those perspectives, we
difference and sameness among them.
could conclude that our values are as rich
Another example is about dialogue, in a
as foreign one. We also have orders of
dialogue on saying and giving apologize,
language from saying good and bad things
there are differences between local and
335
to
could
local
foreign people about it. Saying "maaf" and
understanding own values. It is to show
"sepurane" are much deeper than "sorry".
that local values also have firm grounds on
Another example is "ndherek" is not the
identities. It is not just taken for granted,
same with "follows" or "come after" while
but its process to today's world is so
it could also different from "ngenger". In
complex. Indeed, understanding history is
this point, people could understand how
not meant to be ancient, but to read the
should relations be built in a mannered
process of humanity itself.
way. Comparing texts is about reading
Sixth, outside relations should also
situations and conditions. By showing it
be realized to apply contextual connections
that way, learning foreign language could
between local and foreign values. Those
be explained too in everyday lives. How
relations include making competitions on
students should behave could be seen in
practicing English by having local values.
their practices of languages.
It could be story telling contests. It should
Fifth, teachers should also provide
include local culture for the theme by
students with local stories compared to
having open interpretations within. By
foreign ones. It is to show how different is
retelling story, the contestants could
the contexts among them but also values
understand the contexts of local stories
that could be taken then. It could be
while saying it again in English. Beside,
legends, myths, customs, or anything else.
they could also study about meanings
The main purpose is to show various
contained between those languages while
interpretations of cultural contexts of the
having it ready to be told to audience. The
stories which values could be learned. For
local stories usually involve family life
example, stories between "Damarwulan"
which have orders in normal or kingdom
and
and
environments. Both orders are stated on
"Wonder Woman". This learning shall
hierarchical and equal relations among
have twofold ideas at the same time;
people. Languages are also different so
giving ideas about foreign values while
that exploring local values could always be
indicating richness of our own culture too.
valuable enough to have. For example,
The twofold ideas are given not just to
telling story about Rara Jonggrang is
show
build
different from Cinderella. Despite the
knowledge to differentiate identities. Since
restrictions related to victims, the cultural
identities
character
backgrounds could not be taken as the
building could also be explained in
same. It is about relations between
"Acchileus"
heritages,
are
or
but
"Srikandi"
also
interpretative,
to
336
speakers and audience that come to
social justice. By giving chances for
interpretations.
reciprocal
English language to be superior has made
communications, dialogues could be built
ourselves to be inferior to foreign one. At
by giving interpretations about passages.
this point, stating that the relations are
Both speakers and audience should be
about superiority and inferiority is to make
active actors too so that it could always be
others as object for such subject. We do
a process of strategies that come to life.
not really want such relations, of course,
Through
Seventh, subjects at school should
because we need more constructive ones.
always be meant in national frame.
It is nice to explain to English learners to
Through national frame, local values then
always respect others to build knowledge
are also protected. Ideas on Pancasila
of humanity among others; more than just
should always be the ground on cultural
with friends but also older people or even
strategies.
Moreover,
second
sila
strangers.
of
Pancasila is the most important; which is
Eighth, language studies should
to maintain humanity. Humanity involves
always be put in interdisplinary terms. It is
respect so that learning English should not
important to put language into open ideas
mean to be superior than others. It should
of social context so that what is thought
be taken as an account to elevate local
could always be constructive. Both as
values. Many people say that studying
constructed and constructive, learning
English is to leave home for money. After
foreign language can not just be taken as
all, money does not care so much about
granted, but should be always put on
cultural values. Moreover, having no
process. Modern ideas are indicated by
values also mean having no ground at all.
traditions of hearing but it is inadequate
Civic education is needed to widen
today. To study language is about texts so
perspectives on cultural contexts. Indeed,
that they could talk for themselves within
we are the same Indonesian, but cultural
our
values may build us into many different
exploring texts, teachers and students
ways. However, local values should never
could build such reciprocity to understand
be forgotten both by national as well as
the ideals and the contexts of them. By
foreign frames. We can not say that
understanding texts, we could come to be
Pancasila is just about ideology because it
open to meanings; a widened horizon one.
is way of life. We can not build relations
As Jacques Derrida said, it is hospitality
among others by ignoring humanities or
on people that could bring texts alive to
337
environments.
By
having
and
interpretations. By having hospitality to
values to be survived is to dig, practice,
widened meanings, more bridges could
discuss, and implement it to daily lives.
also be built between foreign and local
Language is always constructed; we can
values for people to understand more.
not talk like British English by having
Language is not about science which
Javanese dialect, of course. Beside, many
always need progress. Science may ignore
people from foreign countries come to
humanity to prioritize its progress but
Indonesia and Java to study its cultural
language could not be the same since it is
richness while many of us forget it by
in the world and lives among humans. It is
saying that "local is ancient and West is
cultural language that we speak everyday,
modern". We also can not say that for
so that by paying attention to language on
example, Javanese values are what stated
interdisciplinary terms, we also care about
on "Pepak Basa Jawa" because it is not
the world of our surroundings. Let cultural
that simple.
texts talk, so that contextual issues could
always been brought alive, to the surface
Conclusion
Education is an important point to
horizon of understanding.
Cultural strategies are those which
indicate local values of local culture. It is
are really needed in today's era of
used to elevate local values in order to face
globalization. We should always be ready
the rapid flow of globalization. We can not
to be dynamic by still having firm grounds
just abandon local values by moving to
to stand. We have meanings that could
foreign values. Counter-culture should be
always be maintained in openness. They
happened to realize local values in daily
are local values on cultural ideas that could
life. It is language of our life. We do not
be big contributors in shaping values of
wear batik as clothes, but values. Indeed,
life. Some people will say that local stories
local values should also have perspectives
such as Aji Saka and Timun Mas are for
on liquidity to get next to modernity. Local
children, but so does for Cinderella and
values are not ancient but needed in
Beauty and The Beast which many been
modern era. Meanwhile, English language
rebuilt on box office film. It is not about
is not superior one. It is just a common
for whom, it is about meanings contained
language. Since it is common, many
in the culture. Language is not also just
people says on it globally, but it does not
about communication, but about cultural
indicate everything. To be global is at the
backgrounds. The main idea to make local
same time being local. This paradox is not
338
about right or wrong, but reality is
local. To have foreign language does not
constructive values of culture itself.
mean losing local ones. To have local
Values are also dynamic to be
values means to have community as well.
interpreted. It is ethics and solidarities that
We can not lose our communities just
should be main ideas in seeing differences
easily by having English language in our
among
daily life.
values.
To
make
students
understand is to make them open, creative,
and responsible. Values are everywhere,
References
Eliott, Anthony and Charles Lemert, 2014,
Introduction to Contemporary Social
Theory,
London:Routledge
Jones, Pip, Liz Bradbury, and Shaun Le
Boutillier, 2011, Introducing Social
Theory,
Cambridge:Polity Press
Kusumohamidjojo,
Budiono,
2009,
Filsafat Kebudayaan: Proses Realisasi
Manusia,
Yogyakarta:Jalasutra
Rohman, Syaifur, nd, Persepsi Pengajar
Bahasa Inggris terhadap Pengajaran
Bahasa
Menggunakan
Metode
Berdasarkan Nilai-Nilai Budaya Barat
(Studi Kasus di STAIN
Purwokerto),
Menggagas Pencitraan Berbasis Kearifan
Lokal,
(online)
in
komunikasi.unsoed.ac.id/sites/defa
ult/files/61.syaifur%20rochmanunsoed.pdf, accessed on May 10th 2015
Schafer, D. Paul, 2008, Revolution or
Renaissance: Making the Transition from
an Economic Age to a Cultural Age,
Ottawa:University of Ottawa Press
Suciani, Ni Ketut, I Made Subur, and I
Made Rai
Jaya
Widanta, 2012,
Pembelajaran Bahasa
Inggris
Berkonteks Budaya Bali: Suatu Strategi
Pengembangan
Budaya
Global,
Stilistetika Tahun I Volume 1,
Nopember 2012,
(online)
in
http://www.slideshare.net/fpbsikip
pgribali/pembelajaran-bahasa-inggrisberkonteks- budaya-bali-15880435,
accessed on May 10th 2015
Sukarno, 2012, Integrating Local Cultures
in teaching English as a Foreign
Language for Character Building, Jurnal
even English language also has virtues on
it. Ideas of justice and self-consciousness
should also be focused in learning English.
We can not just learn English by leaving
our own culture. To totalize will always
build such barriers that may close relations
among humans. Language should be
interpreted to be option in making open
dialogues among human relations on the
concept of humanity.
To realize local values by putting it
in education, material on local should
always be coming through surface. It could
be taken in many contests or in a
structured classes. Materials should always
contain ethics which are needed in having
nice relations among others. To put
attention on local values is about to
practice and also to discuss it. What should
be said that culture is not to be conserved
such at museums or natural conservations.
It is already dynamic. It is not to put it on a
big frame at our wall's house, but to
practice and have it daily. We are living
through language which is cultural and
339
Pendidikan Karakter, Tahun II, Nomor 2,
Juni 2012
van Peursen, Cornelis Anthonie, 1988,
Strategi
Kebudayaan
(trans.),
Yogyakarta:Kanisius
340
Dra. Anicleta Yuliastuti, M.Hum.
[email protected]
Abstract
Teaching and learning English have for so long been seen as approaches to superior language but
ignoring the values inside. This paper has purpose on saying that local values should also cope with
English language as counter-culture for foreign values. Through library studies method in this paper,
the conditions and perceptions of English language are understood through tensions between local and
foreign values. Local values in English teaching and learning process should be maintained to promote
values in keeping its dynamic openness of identities towards others; not only foreign, but also local
ones. The main finding is to make use of English as a means or a media to promote and elevate
local values to the world. It is mentioned to underline cultural local values found by putting
them next to foreign ones. Opening understanding through connections between textbooks and daily
life could enhance creativity and responsibility in relations with others. Overall, interpretations on
foreign languages should always be kept open to build chances and choices to elevate local values
compared to foreign ones.
Keywords
Counter-Culture, Cultural Strategy, English Language, Identity, Local Values, Teaching and Learning
Process
Abstrak
Mengajar dan belajar bahasa Inggris telah lama dipandang sebagai pendekatan kepada bahasa yang
superior namun dengan mengabaikan budaya lokal. Tulisan ini menjelaskan bahwa nilai lokal
sebaiknya bisa berdampingan dengan bahasa Inggris sebagai budaya-tandingan bagi nilai luar. Melalui
metode pustaka dalam tulisan ini, pemahaman tentang kondisi dan persepsi bahasa Inggris dipahami
melalui tegangan antara nilai lokal dan asing. Nilai lokal dalam proses belajar dan mengajar bahasa
Inggris sebaiknya terus diadakan untuk mendukung nilai tersebut dalam kerangka identitas yang
terbuka dan dinamis terhadap yang lain; baik luar maupun lokal itu sendiri. Temuan utamanya adalah
bahasa Inggris merupakan sebuah alat atau media untuk memromosikan sekaligus mengangkat
nilai budaya lokal. Hal tersebut dimaknai dalam rangka menyejajarkan nilai lokal dengan nilai
asing. Membuka pemahaman tentang hubungan riil antara buku diktat dan kehidupan sehari-hari dapat
mendorong kreativitas dan rasa tanggung jawab dalam relasi dengan yang lain. Secara keseluruhan,
interpretasi dalam bahasa asing harus terus terbuka untuk membangun berbagai kesempatan maupun
pilihan untuk mengangkat nilai lokal bila kemudian dibandingkan dengan yang asing.
Kata Kunci
Bahasa Inggris, Budaya-Tandingan, Identitas, Nilai Lokal, Proses Belajar dan Mengajar, Strategi
Budaya
329
Cultural Strategy: Local Values in
clone other language. More than just
English Teaching and Learning Process
dictations, it is intention to culture that
Globalization does not have single
should come to attain local values to face
consequences so that opportunities still
globalization. Therefore, we should take
always can be realized.1 Meanwhile, we
problems on how should cultural values be
still can not be sure what globalization has
elevated to face globalization just like
brought us in today's era.On a hand, the
foreign one be adopted in Indonesia.
process
indeed
brings
in
many
opportunities to be participated in global
Integrating
era. On another hand, it is also dangerous
Character Building
Local
Values
Through
because of its implications on local
The problems between language
aspects. As the opposite of global, local
and globalization should be solved by
aspects
in
dynamicities of cultural values. Since we
globalization. Learning English will also
can not limit the flow of globalization, we
be contested with the existence of local
should build such character to elevate local
values. Even we may still not totally
values so that it could be understood too
choose between local or global aspects
from
because of its complexities, but local
crisscrossing
values could always be disregarded by the
maintained. English language is foreign
rising English language in Indonesia.
one, but since it has been taught since
come
to
be
contested
English
learning.
values
It
that
is
about
should
be
childhood in Indonesia, wisdom of it
From the passage above, cultural
strategies should be built to make local
should
be
understood
too.
Learning
values to be important in English teaching
English is not about having prestige on
and learning process. The main purpose
language superiority, but it is a tool of
here is clear; to shape local cultural values
communication to spread ideas. If prestige
to be counter-culture for foreign issues.2
comes to be the main idea, it is just about
Learning local culture is different since it
being special which is out of having
is about to dig own ideas rather than just
relations with others.
There are earlier researches that
1
Anthony Elliott and Charles Lemert, 2014,
Introduction to Contemporary Social Theory,
London:Routledge, p. 413.
2
Budiono Kusumohamidjojo,2009,Filsafat
Kebudayaan: Proses Realisasi
Manusia,Yogyakarta:Jalasutra, p. 53.
have been made to show perceptions about
local values on English language. First, an
article made by Syaifur Rochman titled
330
"Persepsi
Pengajar
Inggris
Suatu Strategi Pengembangan Budaya
terhadap Pengajaran Bahasa Menggunakan
Global".4 This article was written to
Metode Berdasarkan Nilai-Nilai Budaya
explain
Barat
STAIN
interdisciplinary curriculum should be
how
maintained in real connections between
language
what is taught and its functions on daily
learning should be taken in bilingual class.
life. Through contextual teaching and
It is inevitable that learning foreign
learning, English language materials are
language should be based on customs and
taught in the context of Balinese culture.
traditions of the language itself. Indeed,
They said that functions on English
studying manuscripts on English is used to
language should be correlated on topic-
elevate science understanding. Moreover,
based
learning English should also include such
development then also should be built to
competences as sociolinguistic, strategy,
shape soft skill, not just about learning
and discourse beside its grammatical
textbooks. By finding themes on Balinese
orders. This communicative idea is needed
culture, those could be integrated with
to explore contextual aspects of language.
English
Many students in Indonesia still do not
should also come to be facilitators rather
take attention when are taught with things
than be people to dictate their disciples.
(Studi
Purwokerto)".3
communicative
Bahasa
Kasus
He
di
explained
approach
in
outside books. Implementations between
how
language.
learning.
integrated
and
Research
Moreover,
and
teachers
Third, another research by Sukarno
foreign and local methods should always
titled
be explored so that learning English could
Teaching English as a Foreign Language
also seem to put in its contextual ideas.
for Character Building".5 He explained
"Integrating
Local
Cultures
in
Second, another research by Ni
that students' daily lives should be
Ketut Suciani, I Made Subur, and I Made
involved in teaching-learning process. By
Rai Jaya Widanta tittled "Pembelajaran
having
Bahasa Inggris Berkonteks Budaya Bali:
4
inclusive
and
supportive
Ni Ketut Suciani, I Made Subur, and I Made Rai
Jaya Widanta,2012, Pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris
Berkonteks Budaya Bali: Suatu Strategi
Pengembangan Budaya Global, Stilistetika Tahun I
Volume
1,
Nopember
2012,
http://www.slideshare.net/fpbsikippgribali/pembela
jaran-bahasa-inggris-berkonteks-budaya-bali15880435, accessed on May 10th 2015.
5
Sukarno, 2012, Integrating Local Cultures in
Teaching English as a Foreign Language for
Character Building, Jurnal Pendidikan Karakter,
Tahun II, Nomor 2, Juni 2012.
3
Syaifur Rohman, nd, Persepsi Pengajar Bahasa
Inggris
terhadap
Pengajaran
Bahasa
Menggunakan Metode Berdasarkan Nilai-Nilai
Budaya Barat (Studi Kasus di STAIN Purwokerto),
Menggagas Pencitraan Berbasis Kearifan Lokal,
(online)
in
komunikasi.unsoed.ac.id/sites/default/files/61.syaif
ur%20rochman-unsoed.pdf, accessed on May 10th
2015.
331
environment, both teachers and students
as taken for granted, but taken on its
could focus and discuss the contents and
connections to learners' daily lives.
language elements existing in the texts
both in syntax and semantic aspects such
Dynamic Aspects of Local Values in
as moral values, living values, and
Everyday Life
Dynamic points of local language
wisdoms. These features that actually
should be taken for students in language
can
learning, so that meaningful texts could
distinctions on its values. Cultural values
also
are
conserving
cultural
values
and
not
be
maintained
understood
in
of
both
life,
without
ideas
not
its
and
heritages. Moreover, having those ideas
manifestations
through
should also elevate appropriateness in
superiority of another. They are verbs
using foreign language. Being polite,
which could shape nouns rather than just
respectful, and caring are examples of
nouns to be labeled on persons. Through
characters that should be lived in learning
this view, Cornelis Anthonie van Peursen
language. Those things both need teachers'
sees cultural strategies on three kinds of
ideas and sensitivity to explore cultural
ideas; myth, ontology, and functional
and foreign ideas and students' interests in
aspects to explain how cultural values be
knowing more than just texts but also
moved among and beyond people.6 On the
meaningful ones.
side of myth, cultural values are seen as
researches
parts to be believed. People do not ask
above, learning English contextually is
whether it is true or not since it is thought
important. It is not about studying rules
and practiced everyday. This part indicates
but also its connections with daily lives.
transcendence categories of culture. It is
English is a language of the world but only
beyond people but at the same time
to common one while its specialities still
immanent on human life. Other side is
involved in cultural values. Therefore,
ontology through philosophical ideas. In
studying English should also include local
this aspect, people keep their distance to
ones. Many things could be explored
understand cultural values. Different from
afterwards to show connections between
myth which people believe in, ontology
local and foreign ideas from English
view sees science to be more systematic
perspectives. Beside, openness should be
than knowledge. Knowledge is there but
From
three
earlier
between teachers and students, so that
6
Cornelis Anthonie van Peursen, 1988, Strategi
Kebudayaan (trans.), Yogyakarta:Kanisius, p. 18.
what are taught could be accepted not just
332
its epistemic ideas need to be attained here.
Semantic perspectives of language
Another side is functional which shows
could release minds on seeing cultural
cultural values in communication frames
strategies also as perspective of culture. D.
which come to work. This aspect makes
Paul Schafer states that there are many
people to be open for others. By opening
perspectives of cultural strategies through
self, identities of cultural values are
its sights.8 General culture indicates how
understood from inside to outside, from
there are same values among languages. It
liquidization of the self to social relations.7
is not to generalize but to build bridges in
It is not just thought or distanced, more of
order to shape such dialogues among
it, it tries to understand relations among
civilizations. Own culture is seen as how
people. By understanding relations, its
people identify themselves on their own
dinamicity of communication could be
values. It is made inside people and
realized because of both internal and
relations among them. Other's culture is
external relations that may come within
shown on otherness. People are different
people.
from external others. What is the same also
Those three terms show how
indicates what is the other. Creative and
cultural values are enclosed in viewing
constructive culture is indeed the main
sameness and otherness. We may see that
focus of cultural strategies. By mentioning
each view of them is not total definition
strategies also means that the culture
among others but cultural values are
should always be ready to open to others.
complex both in ideas and practices.
By looking at local values as counter-
Language
practiced
culture, domination of English language
everyday but also constructed by fixed
could be eroded. Since so, it should be
systems. Meanwhile, its semantic values
constructive by not giving hatred to other
bridge thought and life. Language as
language because the main idea here is to
values should be taken in present time. In
widen understanding and not to localize
present, language is dynamic because it
own values. It is ethic on openness that
indicates freedom and repression within. It
could
is freedom because it could be taken
definitions, but delimitation of contents.
is
structure
that
be
considered,
not
through
beyond common understanding while it is
also repression seen from its conflict.
8
D. Paul Schafer, 2008, Revolution or
Renaissance: Making the Transition from an
Economic
Age
to
a
Cultural
Age,
Ottawa:University of Ottawa Press, p. 25-26.
7
Pip Jones, Liz Bradbury, and Shaun Le Boutillier,
2011, Introducing Social Theory, Cambridge :
Polity Press, p. 204.
333
Contextual
Learning
as
may just about structures and rules of
Cultural
grammar, but contextual learning is about
Strategies
It should be said that English
bringing in connected ideas between them.
language is about medium in indicating
Tasks to translate should also issue
cultural strategies. More than just about
flexibility and smoothness of language. It
object to be learned, contextual learning
is not just about taking a word from a
also
in
language to another, but also cultural one.
importance of character building. Having
Learning about synonyms could best be a
contextual ideas also mean to find
good start to compare terms and idioms
connections between local and foreign
among those two languages. For example,
values. It does not totally mean to find
we can not say "I school in Surabaya" in
sameness between them, but to elevate
translation
local values in order to be understood
Surabaya" because it should be "I go to
through foreign frames.
school on Surabaya.". There are difference
include
foreign
language
to
"Saya
bersekolah
di
Somehow, it is so practical that
between them so that we can not say that
contextual ideas should be applied in the
one of them is right and another is wrong.
strategies. It is so relative about the values,
Indeed, it needs flexibility to understand
but the structures of contextual ideas may
the contexts between languages. It is not
be applied here. The purposes are also
about translations, but relations among
clear; to elevate local values by not
languages. Richness of English language
undermining foreign values too. The
could be advantages to study that language
structures then should be fit based on its
in corresponding to local values. By
classes. Fitting materials to its appropriate
showing possibilities of synonyms and
places may be useful for learners to find
antonyms on sentences, students are urged
values for themselves too.
to understand more about what they are
learning.
From things which have been
explained above, from the problems of
Second, taking foreign wisdoms to
language and globalization to dynamic and
be related to local ones is closed to
character building values, actions should
contextual one. We should also open about
be formulated in integrating local values as
others' values because some of them
cultural strategies; First, local and English
relates well in relations among people. For
values should not be just taken as
example, foreign ideas about appreciating
translations between them. Translations
individuals also relates to community. The
334
values of queueing is good to be applied to
including showing emotions. It is also
learning language. To obey law in foreign
important about terms and idioms. In
idea is also good to be taken. To have
Javanese idioms, "nabok nyilih tangan"
foreign methods on educations also should
could not be translated easily in foreign
be maintained on local culture as well.
language, which is the same as "redneck",
Meanwhile, it will be better to put them
"superlicious",
contextual by local values. Individualities
Contextual ideas actually show how
on foreign values should not be taken on
meanings are involved in language, it is
full manners since it could also erode
not about grammatical rules, but how it is
relations with people. Ideas in foreign
meant and practiced by societies. We
countries that children are considered adult
could always take examples on local
after 18 years old and could do anything is
practices on customs and cultural ones to
different from Indonesian people. We still
maintain
have certain values that should be kept
difference and sameness of languages.
or
knowledge
"ginger-haired".
of
learners
on
Fourth, comparing texts between
including respecting the elders.
Third, contextual ideas should also
local and foreign one could be a nice
include other aspects beside grammatical
contribution to contextual learning. Once
rules.
teachers explained a text on English
Those
aspects
are
dialects,
intonations, pronunciations, idioms, and
words,
many other richness of language. For
comparisons to local ones. Those texts
example, there are young people of
include reading, grammar, and speaking
Indonesia who do not know English at all
ones. Those three are usually explained
but saying to be so just by talking like
only by rules, but on contextual learning is
gangsters in United States. They may say
to explore which are different from them.
that it is symbol of freedom, but it should
For example, by analyzing texts on foreign
not
newspapers about an issue, it will be good
be
applied
in
swearing
words.
they
show
also
national
show
and
its
Intonations are also important to show
also
how foreign people show their anger,
perspectives about it. From that point,
sadness, and empathy compared to local
learners or students could understand the
dialects. From those perspectives, we
difference and sameness among them.
could conclude that our values are as rich
Another example is about dialogue, in a
as foreign one. We also have orders of
dialogue on saying and giving apologize,
language from saying good and bad things
there are differences between local and
335
to
could
local
foreign people about it. Saying "maaf" and
understanding own values. It is to show
"sepurane" are much deeper than "sorry".
that local values also have firm grounds on
Another example is "ndherek" is not the
identities. It is not just taken for granted,
same with "follows" or "come after" while
but its process to today's world is so
it could also different from "ngenger". In
complex. Indeed, understanding history is
this point, people could understand how
not meant to be ancient, but to read the
should relations be built in a mannered
process of humanity itself.
way. Comparing texts is about reading
Sixth, outside relations should also
situations and conditions. By showing it
be realized to apply contextual connections
that way, learning foreign language could
between local and foreign values. Those
be explained too in everyday lives. How
relations include making competitions on
students should behave could be seen in
practicing English by having local values.
their practices of languages.
It could be story telling contests. It should
Fifth, teachers should also provide
include local culture for the theme by
students with local stories compared to
having open interpretations within. By
foreign ones. It is to show how different is
retelling story, the contestants could
the contexts among them but also values
understand the contexts of local stories
that could be taken then. It could be
while saying it again in English. Beside,
legends, myths, customs, or anything else.
they could also study about meanings
The main purpose is to show various
contained between those languages while
interpretations of cultural contexts of the
having it ready to be told to audience. The
stories which values could be learned. For
local stories usually involve family life
example, stories between "Damarwulan"
which have orders in normal or kingdom
and
and
environments. Both orders are stated on
"Wonder Woman". This learning shall
hierarchical and equal relations among
have twofold ideas at the same time;
people. Languages are also different so
giving ideas about foreign values while
that exploring local values could always be
indicating richness of our own culture too.
valuable enough to have. For example,
The twofold ideas are given not just to
telling story about Rara Jonggrang is
show
build
different from Cinderella. Despite the
knowledge to differentiate identities. Since
restrictions related to victims, the cultural
identities
character
backgrounds could not be taken as the
building could also be explained in
same. It is about relations between
"Acchileus"
heritages,
are
or
but
"Srikandi"
also
interpretative,
to
336
speakers and audience that come to
social justice. By giving chances for
interpretations.
reciprocal
English language to be superior has made
communications, dialogues could be built
ourselves to be inferior to foreign one. At
by giving interpretations about passages.
this point, stating that the relations are
Both speakers and audience should be
about superiority and inferiority is to make
active actors too so that it could always be
others as object for such subject. We do
a process of strategies that come to life.
not really want such relations, of course,
Through
Seventh, subjects at school should
because we need more constructive ones.
always be meant in national frame.
It is nice to explain to English learners to
Through national frame, local values then
always respect others to build knowledge
are also protected. Ideas on Pancasila
of humanity among others; more than just
should always be the ground on cultural
with friends but also older people or even
strategies.
Moreover,
second
sila
strangers.
of
Pancasila is the most important; which is
Eighth, language studies should
to maintain humanity. Humanity involves
always be put in interdisplinary terms. It is
respect so that learning English should not
important to put language into open ideas
mean to be superior than others. It should
of social context so that what is thought
be taken as an account to elevate local
could always be constructive. Both as
values. Many people say that studying
constructed and constructive, learning
English is to leave home for money. After
foreign language can not just be taken as
all, money does not care so much about
granted, but should be always put on
cultural values. Moreover, having no
process. Modern ideas are indicated by
values also mean having no ground at all.
traditions of hearing but it is inadequate
Civic education is needed to widen
today. To study language is about texts so
perspectives on cultural contexts. Indeed,
that they could talk for themselves within
we are the same Indonesian, but cultural
our
values may build us into many different
exploring texts, teachers and students
ways. However, local values should never
could build such reciprocity to understand
be forgotten both by national as well as
the ideals and the contexts of them. By
foreign frames. We can not say that
understanding texts, we could come to be
Pancasila is just about ideology because it
open to meanings; a widened horizon one.
is way of life. We can not build relations
As Jacques Derrida said, it is hospitality
among others by ignoring humanities or
on people that could bring texts alive to
337
environments.
By
having
and
interpretations. By having hospitality to
values to be survived is to dig, practice,
widened meanings, more bridges could
discuss, and implement it to daily lives.
also be built between foreign and local
Language is always constructed; we can
values for people to understand more.
not talk like British English by having
Language is not about science which
Javanese dialect, of course. Beside, many
always need progress. Science may ignore
people from foreign countries come to
humanity to prioritize its progress but
Indonesia and Java to study its cultural
language could not be the same since it is
richness while many of us forget it by
in the world and lives among humans. It is
saying that "local is ancient and West is
cultural language that we speak everyday,
modern". We also can not say that for
so that by paying attention to language on
example, Javanese values are what stated
interdisciplinary terms, we also care about
on "Pepak Basa Jawa" because it is not
the world of our surroundings. Let cultural
that simple.
texts talk, so that contextual issues could
always been brought alive, to the surface
Conclusion
Education is an important point to
horizon of understanding.
Cultural strategies are those which
indicate local values of local culture. It is
are really needed in today's era of
used to elevate local values in order to face
globalization. We should always be ready
the rapid flow of globalization. We can not
to be dynamic by still having firm grounds
just abandon local values by moving to
to stand. We have meanings that could
foreign values. Counter-culture should be
always be maintained in openness. They
happened to realize local values in daily
are local values on cultural ideas that could
life. It is language of our life. We do not
be big contributors in shaping values of
wear batik as clothes, but values. Indeed,
life. Some people will say that local stories
local values should also have perspectives
such as Aji Saka and Timun Mas are for
on liquidity to get next to modernity. Local
children, but so does for Cinderella and
values are not ancient but needed in
Beauty and The Beast which many been
modern era. Meanwhile, English language
rebuilt on box office film. It is not about
is not superior one. It is just a common
for whom, it is about meanings contained
language. Since it is common, many
in the culture. Language is not also just
people says on it globally, but it does not
about communication, but about cultural
indicate everything. To be global is at the
backgrounds. The main idea to make local
same time being local. This paradox is not
338
about right or wrong, but reality is
local. To have foreign language does not
constructive values of culture itself.
mean losing local ones. To have local
Values are also dynamic to be
values means to have community as well.
interpreted. It is ethics and solidarities that
We can not lose our communities just
should be main ideas in seeing differences
easily by having English language in our
among
daily life.
values.
To
make
students
understand is to make them open, creative,
and responsible. Values are everywhere,
References
Eliott, Anthony and Charles Lemert, 2014,
Introduction to Contemporary Social
Theory,
London:Routledge
Jones, Pip, Liz Bradbury, and Shaun Le
Boutillier, 2011, Introducing Social
Theory,
Cambridge:Polity Press
Kusumohamidjojo,
Budiono,
2009,
Filsafat Kebudayaan: Proses Realisasi
Manusia,
Yogyakarta:Jalasutra
Rohman, Syaifur, nd, Persepsi Pengajar
Bahasa Inggris terhadap Pengajaran
Bahasa
Menggunakan
Metode
Berdasarkan Nilai-Nilai Budaya Barat
(Studi Kasus di STAIN
Purwokerto),
Menggagas Pencitraan Berbasis Kearifan
Lokal,
(online)
in
komunikasi.unsoed.ac.id/sites/defa
ult/files/61.syaifur%20rochmanunsoed.pdf, accessed on May 10th 2015
Schafer, D. Paul, 2008, Revolution or
Renaissance: Making the Transition from
an Economic Age to a Cultural Age,
Ottawa:University of Ottawa Press
Suciani, Ni Ketut, I Made Subur, and I
Made Rai
Jaya
Widanta, 2012,
Pembelajaran Bahasa
Inggris
Berkonteks Budaya Bali: Suatu Strategi
Pengembangan
Budaya
Global,
Stilistetika Tahun I Volume 1,
Nopember 2012,
(online)
in
http://www.slideshare.net/fpbsikip
pgribali/pembelajaran-bahasa-inggrisberkonteks- budaya-bali-15880435,
accessed on May 10th 2015
Sukarno, 2012, Integrating Local Cultures
in teaching English as a Foreign
Language for Character Building, Jurnal
even English language also has virtues on
it. Ideas of justice and self-consciousness
should also be focused in learning English.
We can not just learn English by leaving
our own culture. To totalize will always
build such barriers that may close relations
among humans. Language should be
interpreted to be option in making open
dialogues among human relations on the
concept of humanity.
To realize local values by putting it
in education, material on local should
always be coming through surface. It could
be taken in many contests or in a
structured classes. Materials should always
contain ethics which are needed in having
nice relations among others. To put
attention on local values is about to
practice and also to discuss it. What should
be said that culture is not to be conserved
such at museums or natural conservations.
It is already dynamic. It is not to put it on a
big frame at our wall's house, but to
practice and have it daily. We are living
through language which is cultural and
339
Pendidikan Karakter, Tahun II, Nomor 2,
Juni 2012
van Peursen, Cornelis Anthonie, 1988,
Strategi
Kebudayaan
(trans.),
Yogyakarta:Kanisius
340