Integrating Local Wisdom into Genre-Based English Materials: A Culturally Responsive Needs Analysis in a Hindu Higher Education

Abstract

English is a foreign language taught in Indonesia. One of the biggest problems in teaching English as a foreign language is how to bridge students’ language proficiency and their indigenous cultural identity. The present study investigates the need for designing culturally responsive instructional materials for students of a Hindu higher education institution in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. This research uses an explanatory mixed methods design to implement the Context, Input, Process, Product (CIPP) model to assess the pedagogical and cultural needs for the development of genre-based English teaching materials. Using purposive sampling, this study included 120 students, 5 lecturers, 5 cultural practitioners, and 1 head of the study programme. The study data were collected through questionnaires, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews with lecturers, students, programme administrators, and cultural practitioners. The findings show a critical gap between curriculum policy and classroom practice, indicating the need for urgent genre-based scaffolding and technology based and contextualised content. Cultural analysis identifies that material artefacts (e.g., Batang Haring), social practices (rituals), and philosophical values (Tri Hita Karana) are crucial elements in enhancing the relevance of learning. These results provide a framework for mapping local wisdom into functional texts, ensuring English materials are both linguistically sound and culturally grounded. This study recommends developing technology-based English materials infused with local wisdom as a strategic solution for meaningful, contextualised language learning.