LISANIA: Journal of Arabic Education and Literature

Arabic Language Teachers’ Readiness for Task-Based Language Teaching in the 21st Century: Insights from ACTFL Standards

Hasnil Oktavera, Abdul Hakim, Sutaman, Nurhadi, Abdurrahman Wahid Abdullah — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) is essential for developing 21st-century Arabic language skills. This study aims to assess the readiness of Indonesian Arabic language teachers to implement TBLT, utilizing the comprehensive ACTFL World-Readiness Standards (5Cs): communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities, as the analytical framework. Employing a quantitative survey design, data were collected from Arabic teachers across various educational levels in Indonesia to evaluate their current preparedness levels against the 5Cs standard. The overall readiness index stands at 3.01 (on a 5-point scale), concluding that the teachers are “not ready, need some repairs” for full TBLT implementation. While Communication demonstrated the highest readiness (3.36), aspects like Comparisons (2.85) and Cultures (2.87) showed the lowest scores. These findings provide a crucial evaluation of teachers' preparedness, highlighting an urgent need for targeted professional development programs focused on integrating cultural competency and comparative linguistic skills within TBLT pedagogy to meet the demands of 21st-century language education.

Digital Fatigue among Students in Higher Education: Effects on Online Arabic Learning and Coping Strategies

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores symptoms of digital fatigue among students and its impact on the effectiveness of online Arabic learning in higher education, while also identifying learners’ coping strategies. Using a mixed-methods exploratory design, participants were students of an Arabic Language Education program at a state university in Jambi Province, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, online class observations, an adapted Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), and LMS documentation. Qualitative data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model, while quantitative data were processed descriptively. The findings show that digital fatigue manifested as visual strain when reading Arabic texts, decreased focus during synchronous sessions, and weak vocabulary retention due to limited oral interaction. These symptoms reduced learning effectiveness, reflected in low participation, shallow text engagement, and irregular task submission. Students developed coping strategies such as balancing online–offline study routines, rewriting notes manually, using supportive applications, peer collaboration, and relying on lecturer flexibility. The study concludes that effective online Arabic instruction requires alignment between pedagogical design, cognitive load management, and social connectedness, and recommends integrating microlearning, retrieval practice, and community-based learning to reduce digital fatigue and sustain engagement.

Integrated Sequence on Malaysian Arabic Textbook

Ahmad Zaki Annafiri, Muhammad Sabri bin Sahrir, Thonthowi; Bermawy Munthe — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to determine the integrative sequence (teaching materials) in the Al-Lugah Al-Arabiyyah textbook of the Malaysian Ministry of Education for grades 1, 2, and 3 at Secondary School. An integrative sequence is the integration of philosophical, cultural, and policy aspects. This type of research is considered literature research or library research; the researcher employed a descriptive qualitative research approach in this study. As the result, integrated sequence, which is the sequence of teaching materials (words, sentences, images, themes) that incorporates philosophy, culture, and policy, and aims to instill competencies and values simultaneously, appears to be adequately represented in each element: ontology (philosophy) with sequential material ordered by place and function, culture based on the order from "near to far," and policy based on the order of human thinking ability. Therefore, it can be concluded that the integrative sequence is quite significantly present in the Al-Lugah Al-Arabiyyah KPM book for levels 1, 2, and 3. This research provides a new alternative for Arabic language book compilers to use integrative sequencing as an approach in compiling the sequence of teaching materials.

ASWED: A Digital Learning Media to Improve Students’ Istima’ and Qira’ah Skills in Islamic Junior High Schools

Lionyza Zaneta Rasendria Kirana, Muhammad Ardy Zaini, Mokhammad Miftakhul Huda — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to develop and evaluate ASWED (Arabic Story with Educaplay), a digital learning media designed to improve students’ Arabic listening (istima’) and reading (qira’ah) skills at the junior high school level. This study aims to examine: (1) the development process of the ASWED digital media for teaching istima’ and qira’ah; (2) its quality based on expert and user evaluations; and (3) its effectiveness in improving students’ istima’ and qira’ah skills. Using the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) model, the media was developed through content design, integration of narration with Educaplay, and expert validation. Data were collected through validation sheets, pretest–posttest instruments, and interviews with teachers and learners. The results showed that ASWED was rated “very feasible” by experts with scores of 86.15% (material), 100% (media), and 85.3% (practitioners). In terms of effectiveness, the experimental group demonstrated a significant improvement from pretest to posttest (M = 63.77 → 77.79; p < .001, d = 0.56), while the control group experienced a significant decline (M = 84.23 → 44.73; p < .001, d = −2.41). Independent t-tests revealed a large effect size in favor of the experimental group (d = 2.34). Furthermore, student responses indicated that ASWED was engaging, motivating, and suitable for independent learning. These findings highlight that ASWED not only improves language competence but also addresses challenges in conventional Arabic instruction by integrating digital innovation. Future research may extend this approach to other Arabic skills and broader educational contexts.

Negotiating Indonesian Cultural Identity in Arabic Subtitle Translation of Dear David

Waviq Alfiana Irianti, Sajarwa — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Cultural translation in film is a process of negotiation aimed at balancing the accuracy of the source culture with acceptability in the target culture. This study examines how Indonesian cultural identity is negotiated in the subtitle translation of the film Dear David from Indonesian into Arabic. The research employs a qualitative descriptive method with a comparative and interpretative approach. The analyzed data consist of linguistic units, such as words and phrases, that convey Indonesian cultural meanings and their equivalents in the Arabic subtitles. The data source is the film "Dear David," directed by Lucky Kuswandi, along with its Arabic subtitle version, available on the Netflix platform. Data collection was conducted through observation, close reading, and systematic note-taking. The analysis process includes data categorization, translation comparison, meaning interpretation, and drawing conclusions regarding the forms of cultural identity negotiation. The findings indicate that the negotiation process involves various aspects, such as material culture, social norms, forms of address, and religious terminology. Differences between linguistic structures and cultural values in Indonesian and Arabic serve as dominant factors influencing translation decisions. The analysis shows that the translator seeks to balance the preservation of the source culture with readability for Arabic-speaking audiences. This study makes a significant contribution to the field of cultural translation and intercultural communication. The implication is that translators must possess a deep understanding of social and cultural contexts and apply strategies such as cultural adaptation, glossing, or annotation to preserve the essence of the message in cross-linguistic transfers.

Reading Maulid al-Dība’i through the Lens of Genetic Structuralism: Between Text, Context, and Sectarian Polemics

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Maulid al-Dība'i is one of the most popular religious literary texts in the Islamic tradition, especially among traditional Sunni Muslims in Indonesia. Recently, controversy has emerged regarding the sectarian affiliation of its author, Al-Dība'i, who is accused of being a Zaidiyah Shiite due to his praise of the Ahlul Bait without mentioning the main companions. This debate has prompted differing responses concerning the sectarian content of the text. This study applies Lucien Goldmann's genetic structuralism approach to analyze Maulid al-Dība'i by examining both its internal textual structure and its socio-historical context. Using qualitative interpretive, historical, and textual methods, the research analyzes a controversial poem to trace the author's ideological position. The findings indicate that the text reflects the inclusive and cosmopolitan character of Zabid society, marked by dynamic Sufi traditions and complex inter-school relations. Consequently, this study offers a more balanced understanding of Maulid al-Dība'i as a product of Islamic culture shaped by historical and spiritual struggles.

The Development of an Al-Muthala’ah Teaching Book for Sixth-Grade Students at Kulliyyatul Mu‘allimin Al-Islamiyyah Darussalam Gontor

Alsadika Ziaul Haq, Arih Inas Atiqahwati, Tri Wi Farma — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to develop a textbook for Muthala‘ah al-Qirā’ah al-Wāfiyah for sixth-grade students of Kulliyyatul Mu‘allimin al-Islamiyyah (KMI), Darussalam Gontor, based on image-based media. The textbook was designed to fulfill the learning objectives established by the Quality Assurance Department and to meet the standards of the KMI curriculum. Based on initial observations, it was found that students had difficulty understanding the existing textbooks due to the lack of media integration. In addition, several errors in sentence construction were identified in the texts, which led to misunderstandings of the intended meanings. This study employed the developmental model proposed by Jerold E. Kemp. The model is circular in nature and illustrates a continuous process in implementing instructional design to create learning that is effective, efficient, and engaging. The results of this study indicate that the Muthala‘ah al-Qirā’ah al-Wāfiyah textbook is suitable for use in teaching sixth-grade students at KMI Pondok Modern Gontor. This is supported by validation results showing that the Arabic language expert awarded a score of 95.45% (in the very good category), the learning media expert awarded 92.50% (in the very good category), and the instructional design expert awarded an average score of 99% (in the very good category). The developed textbook can assist and facilitate sixth-grade students in understanding the learning materials and increase their interest in learning, particularly in muthala‘ah lessons.

Decoding the Syrian Crisis through Arabic Political Caricature: A Jakobsonian Semiotic Study

Husnul Khotimah, M. Anwar Masadi — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Caricatures are not merely visual humor but function as powerful instruments of socio-political critique. This study analyzes three caricatures by Osama Hajjaj that depict the condition of Syria following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Guided by Roman Jakobson’s semiotic framework, the analysis applies six language functions: addresser, addressee, message, context, code, and contact to explore the layered meanings embedded in Hajjaj’s works. Jakobson’s model is relevant for visual texts because its communicative functions operate through both verbal and non-verbal signs, allowing caricatures to be interpreted as structured messages. A qualitative approach was employed, with primary data obtained from caricatures published on Hajjaj’s Instagram account and secondary data drawn from scholarly literature and credible news reports. The results demonstrate that Hajjaj’s caricatures transcend mere satire of Assad’s leadership; they articulate broader grievances regarding foreign intervention, systemic repression, and the uncertainties surrounding political transition. Furthermore, the visual narratives reveal how caricatures can simultaneously criticize power structures and express collective resistance. This research contributes to the field of semiotics by expanding Jakobson’s framework into the analysis of political caricatures and provides new insights into visual communication in Middle Eastern contexts. The novelty of this study lies in its focus on Syrian-themed caricatures, a topic rarely examined in previous research, and in its analysis of the interaction among Jakobson’s functions to reveal the ideological dimensions within Hajjaj’s works.

Development of a Scrabble Board Game Based on Experiential Learning for Enhancing Arabic Vocabulary Acquisition

Khansa Nabila, Agus Yasin, Alif Cahya Setiyadi — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This research seeks to create a Scrabble Board Game grounded in Experiential Learning principles to improve Arabic vocabulary acquisition for novice students. The study utilized a Research and Development (R&D) methodology based on the ADDIE model, which encompasses the stages of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. In the development phase, a prototype was produced and evaluated by three specialists in Arabic language, educational media, and pedagogical practice, attaining an average score of 4.6 (very valid). The study encompassed 20 second-grade children at Madrasah Ibtidaiyyah across three sessions, utilizing pre-test and post-test evaluations to determine learning results. The findings indicated a notable enhancement in vocabulary proficiency, with the mean score rising from 54.3 to 82.1 and an N-Gain score of 0.61, categorizing it as moderate to high. Observations and interviews validated heightened student engagement, motivation, and teamwork. Kolb’s Experiential Learning Model enabled significant learning through practical activities, reflection, and application. This study concludes that the integration of educational games with experiential learning methodologies can significantly enhance Arabic vocabulary acquisition and foster a more dynamic classroom atmosphere. Future research is advised to investigate digital adaptations and broader deployment in diverse educational settings.

Poetry, Power, and Language: Rereading Arabic Metaphors and Their Implications for Arabic Language Education in Indonesia

Maman Dzul'iman, Irfan Hania — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the historical evolution of metaphor in Arabic poetry, from the classical to the modern era, and explores its implications for Arabic language instruction in Indonesia. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the research analyzes a purposive selection of ten major poems from the classical and modern eras, chosen for their thematic representativeness of power dynamics and social change. The analysis integrates semantic-rhetorical, intertextual, and critical discourse frameworks to uncover shifting metaphorical functions. The findings reveal that classical metaphors were rooted in natural and spiritual imagery, reinforcing social values, divine order, and political legitimacy. In contrast, modern metaphors reflect sociopolitical critique, existential anxiety, and resistance to colonial and authoritarian regimes. This transformation mirrors broader cultural and ideological shifts within Arab societies. By tracing this evolution, the study demonstrates that metaphors are not merely decorative but function as cognitive and ideological tools that encode historical consciousness. The research further argues that incorporating metaphor-rich poetry into Arabic language education in Indonesia enhances learners' interpretive and expressive skills. A context-based, thematic pedagogical model is proposed, integrating classical and modern texts to foster critical reading (qirā’ah) and creative writing (kitābah) skills. While limited by its theoretical scope and lack of empirical classroom testing, this research offers a novel framework that bridges the gap between literary evolution and curriculum development, transforming metaphors from linguistic ornaments into instruments of cultural and critical literacy.

Enhancing Learning Enthusiasm of Muthala’ah Through Team Games Tournament (TGT) at Islamic Junior High School Malang

Qurrota A'yuni, Ana Taqwa Wati — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to analyze the impact of using the Team Games Tournament (TGT) learning model in improving students' enthusiasm for learning Arabic, especially muthala’ah. This study employs a quantitative approach. Data was collected through a post-test questionnaire administered at the end of the learning process. The research design used is a true experiment design, utilizing an experimental class and a control class as a comparison, with each class comprising 30 students. The data analysis used was an independent sample t-test. The results of the independent sample t-test analysis yielded a sig value (two-tailed) of 0.000, which is less than 0.05 (0.000 < 0.05), meaning that H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted. This indicates a significant increase in students' learning motivation. Thus, there is a difference in students' learning motivation when using the Team Games Tournament (TGT) learning model. Students' activities during the learning process also showed active participation, resulting in positive differences before and after the intervention. This indicates that the TGT learning model can create an active and effective learning environment and support students' learning motivation.

Task-Based Arabic Syntax Learning Design through STEM Integration

Anwar Sidik, Rizka Sari, Siti Kholifah, Gesta Lestari — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to develop an Arabic syntax learning model that integrates Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) and STEM to improve students’ language skills and scientific literacy. The research used a Research and Development (R&D) method adapted from Borg & Gall, involving seven stages, including needs analysis, expert validation, and limited trials with 10 university students in the Arabic Language Education Program at ISQ Syekh Ibrahim. The learning model consists of six thematic units that integrate STEM themes into Arabic syntax topics such as jumlah ismiyyah, jumlah Fi’liyah, idhafah, and na’at, using TBLT stages: pre-task, task cycle, and language focus. Expert validation showed high feasibility (90%). Trial results indicated a significant improvement in students’ syntax achievement, with average scores increasing from 65.0 to 82.7, as well as higher motivation, collaboration, and critical thinking. Overall, the integration of TBLT and STEM made Arabic grammar learning more meaningful and contextual. The study concludes that the TBLT–STEM approach is effective in improving Arabic syntax learning outcomes at the university level.

Cognitive Construction of Critical Thinking in Argumentative Writing among Arabic Language Education Students at UIN Fatmawati Sukarno Bengkulu

Achmad Ja'far Sodik, Wildana Wargadinata, Abdul Wahab Rosyidi, Ahmad Nuruddin — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to reveal the cognitive construction of critical thinking in the argumentative writing of students in the Arabic Language Education Department (PBA) at UIN Fatmawati Sukarno Bengkulu. Using a qualitative approach, the data consisted of units of ideas within sentences, paragraphs, and texts derived from students’ argumentative essays collected through writing assignments in the insya’ course. Data analysis followed Miles and Huberman’s model: data reduction, data display, verification, and conclusion drawing. The findings show that the cognitive construction of critical thinking comprises four dimensions: interpretation, analysis, inference, and evaluation. Interpretation involves perspective and definition formation; analysis includes argument components and structure; inference consists of deductive and inductive reasoning; and evaluation covers argument accuracy and logical validity. These findings contribute to the development of argumentative writing instruction by mapping how critical thinking emerges in students’ texts.

Development of Teaching Materials for Ilm al-Ma‘ani Based on Literary Appreciation at the University Level in Indonesia

Edi Kurniawan Farid; Nurul Murtadho, Bakri Muhammad Bakhiet — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to (1) develop instructional materials for ʿIlm al-Maʿani grounded in literary appreciation and (2) examine the feasibility of these materials. Employing a Research and Development (R&D) approach based on the Borg and Gall model, the study was conducted in three stages: preliminary study and needs analysis, development, and evaluation. The results indicate that the developed ʿIlm al-Maʿani materials, which integrate literary texts, text comprehension, appreciation of aesthetic values, and mastery of ʿIlm al-Maʿani concepts, are comprehensive. The materials include clearly defined learning objectives, content, instructional methods, and evaluation tools. Expert and teacher validation yielded a score of 93.4, placing the materials in the “highly feasible” category. Student evaluations rated the materials as “excellent,” with an average score of 90.8. These findings suggest that incorporating literary appreciation into balaghah instruction enhances both feasibility and learner engagement. The significance of this research lies in linking balaghah with literature through the integration of literary texts in the developed materials. Furthermore, the study contributes to producing ʿIlm al-Maʿani instructional materials that emphasize literary appreciation and are ready for direct implementation at the university level.

Analysis of the Alignment Between the Curriculum Structure of the Arabic Language Education Department and the Needs of Graduates

Ahmad Sirojuddin Syarif, Hanik Mahliatussikah, Moh. Khasairi, Ibnu Samsul Huda — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to analyze the alignment of the curriculum structure in the Arabic Language Education study program at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta with the competency needs of graduates that are relevant to the workforce and the advancement of scientific knowledge. The method used is qualitative descriptive with a document study approach, through the analysis of curriculum documents and Course Learning Outcomes. The results indicate that the curriculum has been systematically and structurally organized into four groups of courses: General Courses, Basic Educational Courses, Educational Expertise Courses of the Study Program, and Study Program Courses. The alignment between course learning outcomes and the curriculum in the domains of attitudes, knowledge, and skills has been fulfilled through various relevant courses, enabling the formation of graduates who not only possess knowledge and skills but also professional attitudes and strong character. This study recommends that curriculum development continues to be adjusted to the dynamic developments of science, technology, and labor market needs so that graduates can compete and contribute optimally.