English Journal Antartika

Engaging Students in English Writing via Instagram: An Action Research on Digital Literacy in High School

Syafaruddin Marpaung — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates using Instagram to improve English writing skills and enhance digital literacy among high school students. Using Classroom Action Research (CAR) over three cycles, this mixed-methods study involved 34 11th-grade students from SMA Negeri 2 Kota Tanjungbalai. The research focused on assessing improvements in writing skills such as grammar, creativity, and vocabulary through Instagram-based tasks. Results indicated significant improvements in student writing, with average scores increasing from 60 in Cycle 1 to 80 in Cycle 3. Instagram fostered student engagement, encouraged creativity, and provided a collaborative platform for peer feedback, making the learning process more relevant and enjoyable for Generation Z students. The study concludes that Instagram effectively integrates writing instruction with digital literacy, offering an engaging alternative to traditional methods. Further research is recommended to explore the application of social media in different educational contexts.

THE USE OF SONG ON SPOTIFY APP TO IMPROVE STUDENTS' LISTENING ABILITY

Khoirin Nida Qurrota A'yun, Reti Wahyuni, M.Pd. — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Listening skills are a crucial component of English language learning, encompassing the understanding of intonation, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. Listening is a fundamental part of daily communication and one of the most essential language skills. This study explores enhancing students' listening skills using English songs available on the Spotify application. Listening to songs transcends mere entertainment; it offers an engaging and effective medium for learning English. By utilizing Spotify's extensive library of songs and its integrated lyrics feature, students can improve their listening skills in an enjoyable and accessible manner. Furthermore, this method helps students better comprehend native English speakers, fostering linguistic proficiency and cultural familiarity. Employing brainstorming and interviews as research methodologies, this qualitative research highlights the benefits and challenges of integrating Spotify into the learning process. Results indicate that songs increase student motivation and improve listening comprehension, making Spotify a valuable tool for language acquisition.

Figurative Language Implemented In Eminem’s Songs Lyrics

Dinda Nur Aisyarah, Sri Wahyuni — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This paper aims to identify and analyze the figurative language implemented in Eminem’s songs “Mockingbird,” “When I’m Gone”, and “Hailie’s Song”. Using a descriptive qualitative research method, this study collected data through careful listening and reading of the song's lyrics. This process involved identification, categorization, and analysis of the lyrics, leading to conclusions about the theme song's explanation and interpretation. The theoretical framework is based on Hurford and Heasley’s (1983) semantic theory, with the meaning approach presented by Geoffrey N. Leech. The findings reveal how figurative language intricately depicts themes of fame, family issues, and father’s sacrifice, offering deeper insights into the artist’s emotional landscape.

Teaching Common English Language Expressions for Hotel Staff: Best Practices

Nurdiana Nurdiana — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The hospitality industry is closely linked to the English language, as proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within this field. However, many hotel staff members in Indonesia struggle to communicate in English appropriately, highlighting the need for improvement. To address this, regular training programs should be implemented to enhance language skills, focusing on practical English used in hospitality settings. This study aims to explore teaching common English expressions to hotel employees. Using a descriptive-qualitative approach and reviewing relevant studies, the findings suggest that certain language functions and expressions are frequently used in hospitality and should therefore be incorporated into the training programs for hotel staff.