ARABIC CULTURE REPRESENTATION IN INDONESIAN ARABIC LANGUAGE TEXTBOOKS: A CASE STUDY OF AL-ARABIYA BAINA YADAIK

Abstract

This study examines the integration of cultural elements in Al-Arabiyya Baina Yadaik and its role in enhancing students’ linguistic competence and intercultural awareness. Using qualitative content analysis with a semiotic and discourse approach, this research explores how the textbook represents Arab identity, social norms, spirituality, and moral values through textual and visual elements. The findings reveal four key themes: 1) the representation of visual identity through clothing such as abaya and thobe, reinforcing connections between language and social customs; 2) depictions of social norms and traditions, including greetings, hospitality, and communal celebrations like Eid; 3) religious and spiritual representations emphasizing Islamic practices such as prayer, Qur’anic recitation, and sacred sites; and 4) the transmission of philosophical and moral values through proverbs and ethical teachings that reflect Arab wisdom and social expectations. While the textbook successfully integrates language with cultural learning, its emphasis on Islamic elements may pose challenges for non-Muslim learners, highlighting the need for a more inclusive cultural perspective. This study underscores the importance of expanding cultural representation in Arabic language education to foster a more comprehensive understanding of the Arab world.