Institutional Repository | Satya Wacana Christian University: The Language Use in Teaching Science at Bethany School Salatiga

THE LANGUAGE USE IN TEACHING SCIENCE AT
BETHANY SCHOOL SALATIGA
Josephine Angelina G
112008009

Abstract
English is known as international language in this global area. It raises problem in bilingual
schools which use English as medium of instruction. This qualitative research investigates on
what advantages and disadvantages of the bilingual approach in the science classroom in
Indonesia, as well as to explain current issues regarding the use of two-languages, and some
useful suggestions for teachers in Bethany School Salatiga for the use of English-Indonesian
in English-medium classrooms. This paper is based on the interview with two Science
teachers conducted in Bethany School Salatiga. It purposes to show of advantages and
disadvantages of using bilingual language in teaching Science to Elementary School students.
The discussion suggested that the purposes of using bilingual language give both advantages
and disadvantages in teaching learning process. As the result, the researcher found that the
use of bilingual language in Bethany School Salatiga has advantages such as; a compensatory
strategy, to reduce students’ misunderstanding, and improve their vocabulary. It also has
disadvantages such as; waste more time and Indonesian is not as simple as English.
Key words: Bilingual, First language (L1), Elementary School, The Purposes of bilingual
language.