JETAL: Journal of English Teaching & Applied Linguistic https://jurnal.uhn.ac.id/index.php/jetal <p>Journal of English Teaching and Applied Linguistics (JETAL)&nbsp;is a double-blind-review journal published in Indonesia by the Department of English Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, the University of HKBP NOMMENSEN (PSPBI FKIP UHKBPN). This journal is published twice a year: April and September. The scopes of the journal include the following topic areas: English Language Pedagogy, TEFL, English Teaching, English for Specific Purposes (ESP), ELT Materials Development and Evaluation, English Language Testing and Assessment, Linguistics, Translation, Critical Discourse Analysis.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> English Education Department at FKIP Nommensen University en-US JETAL: Journal of English Teaching & Applied Linguistic 2714-9811 <p style="text-align: justify;">Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a&nbsp;<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/" rel="license">Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License</a>&nbsp;(CC BY-SA 4.0) that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See&nbsp;<a href="http://opcit.eprints.org/oacitation-biblio.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Effect of Open Access</a>).</p> Targeted Analysis of Common Spelling Errors among Grade Six Pupils https://jurnal.uhn.ac.id/index.php/jetal/article/view/1544 <p>Spelling errors are the most common inaccuracies in the writing of ESL learners. Despite the numerous studies on writing, teaching spelling as a research topic has often been overlooked. The primary objectives of this mixed method study are to describe the common spelling errors of grade 6 pupils of an all-girls school in Metro Manila post-pandemic, identify teaching strategies to minimize spelling errors and propose recommendations for teaching spelling. First, spelling tests and student handwritten essays were analyzed for spelling errors, which were later categorized using Cook’s classification. Second, interviews with Language teachers to identify teaching strategies were held, determining key themes and best practices in spelling instruction. The results indicated that students committed spelling errors mostly by omission, substitution, and insertion, and the strategies to enhance spelling skills include utilizing visuals, engaging students through interactive materials and collaborative activities, and using the words in context. Based on the findings, it is recommended to consider the following in crafting a spelling program: a fundamental list of commonly misspelled words following the rule-based system, a bank of effective strategies to expose students to words in context and engage them for active learning, a continuous assessment of spelling student abilities, and evaluation of the spelling program.</p> Joanne Nerissa Castro Nicolas Jasmin Moralidad Critica ##submission.copyrightStatement## http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2024-09-04 2024-09-04 6 1 1 12 10.36655/jetal.v6i1.1544 THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BY CHATBOT IN ENHANCING THE STUDENTS’ VOCABULARY https://jurnal.uhn.ac.id/index.php/jetal/article/view/1610 <p><em>This research aims to find out the effectiveness of artificial intelligence (AI) by chatbot in enhancing the vocabulary students at FKIP Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar. The focus of the research is on the vocabulary skill in teaching English. This research uses the qualitative research methods and used interview and documentation from the students. There are 30 students for the subject of the research out of 70 students in English Vocabulary class of the first semester in English department of Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar. The results of the research are the artificial intelligence application through chat bot enhance the students’ vocabulary in learning English. The students feel enjoy, fun, easy to learn the English words. It can be applied in writing notes diary, essay paragraph in English. The researcher suggests the user of English such as lectures, teachers to use AI chatbot in the classroom instruction because it can be more effective for the students to get the meaning of the words in English. Hopefully the next reseacher can develop the research for more varying language proficiency. The result is that the artificial intelligence affect to the effectiveness in enhancing English vocabulary of the university students. It shows that all participants are enthusiastic, happy, and motivated because this application is still unfamiliar to participants. Participants also know the use of this application, so they can indirectly learn independently whenever and wherever participants</em></p> Bertaria Sohnata Hutauruk Rudiarman Purba Santa Sihombing Maruli Nainggolan ##submission.copyrightStatement## http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2024-09-04 2024-09-04 6 1 13 19 10.36655/jetal.v6i1.1610 The Chaos: Improving the Pronunciation of Grade 9 Students https://jurnal.uhn.ac.id/index.php/jetal/article/view/1600 <p>Pronunciation is taught primarily at the elementary level. It is a skill that students should master throughout their studies so that they can express their opinions clearly. This study aimed to identify Grade 9 students’ mispronounced words and their causes, level of pronunciation, and the exposure of students in pronunciation using the poem titled The Chaos written by Gerard Nolst Trenité. The researchers used a purposive sampling technique by acceptable pronunciation standards to select the respondents who are in level 1 from Grade 9 students in a selected private school in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. This study utilized Patole’s English Pronunciation Problems to classify the mispronounced words followed by a focus group discussion. The results showed that irregular pronunciation was the most common pronunciation problem encountered by the students. Additionally, two respondents stepped on level 2 and one respondent stepped on level 3 wherein the respondents agreed that companions are a great help for them to pronounce the words because they can correct it right away.</p> Christine Datuin Pantano Princess Mae Dela Cruz Ponce ##submission.copyrightStatement## http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2024-09-05 2024-09-05 6 1 20 28 10.36655/jetal.v6i1.1600 English Teachers’ Perspectives towards the Implementation of Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom https://jurnal.uhn.ac.id/index.php/jetal/article/view/1649 <p>This study aims to explore the perspectives of junior high school English teachers in Kalimantan Barat on the implementation of differentiated instruction (DI) in culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms. Using a descriptive survey method, data were gathered from 108 teachers through a validated closed-ended questionnaire. The findings reveal that while teachers generally possess a strong understanding of DI and hold positive beliefs about its effectiveness, its application varies, particularly in addressing students' readiness, interests, and learning profiles. Key barriers include limited resources, large class sizes, and insufficient administrative support. The study highlights the need for targeted professional development and resource allocation to support DI implementation. Recommendations include improving training programs and increasing support from school administrations. Limitations of the study include a focus on one geographic region, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. These insights are relevant for enhancing DI practices in similarly diverse educational settings.</p> Eka Fajar Rahmani ##submission.copyrightStatement## http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2024-09-27 2024-09-27 6 1 29 36 10.36655/jetal.v6i1.1649 Effective Vocabulary Teaching Techniques for EFL Teachers in Primary Classrooms https://jurnal.uhn.ac.id/index.php/jetal/article/view/1650 <p>The aim of this study is to explore vocabulary teaching techniques applied by EFL teachers in primary schools in Depok, Indonesia. Using a qualitative case study approach, the study involved observations, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis as primary data collection methods. Three EFL female teachers from three primary schools in Depok participated in this research. The findings reveal that repetition drills and translation are the most commonly used strategies due to their effectiveness in vocabulary retention and comprehension. Visual aids and interactive activities like games also play a significant role, though their use is often limited by resource constraints, and large class sizes. The research suggests that combining traditional methods with innovative approaches can improve vocabulary teaching, but further support in terms of resources and professional development is necessary for teachers to maximize their effectiveness. The study recommends future research focusing on digital tools and technology-based interventions, assessing the impact of teacher training programs, and comparing urban and rural contexts. Additionally, exploring the long-term effects of these techniques on students’ language proficiency would provide valuable insights for enhancing English education in Indonesia.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Byas Intan Kusumawati Syaadiah Arifin ##submission.copyrightStatement## http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2024-09-27 2024-09-27 6 1 37 46 10.36655/jetal.v6i1.1650 Unlocking Fluent Speech: Enhancing Student Speaking Skills through Digital Storytelling https://jurnal.uhn.ac.id/index.php/jetal/article/view/1655 <p>This study evaluates the impact of digital storytelling on improving college students' speaking skills, based on Vygotsky’s Social Constructivism, which emphasizes the role of social interaction and cultural tools in learning.</p> <p>Using a quasi-experimental design, 60 fourth-semester students at the Islamic Institute of Sunan Kalijogo Malang were divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group from the Faculty of Islamic Da'wah and Broadcasting engaged in digital storytelling, while the control group, including students from the Tarbiyah and Teaching Faculty, did not. Narrative texts such as fairy tales and fables were used in the intervention.</p> <p>The experimental group showed a significant improvement in speaking skills, with their mean post-test score increasing from 55.39 to 61.72, compared to a decrease in the control group's score from 57.01 to 55.12.</p> <p>Digital storytelling effectively enhances students' speaking skills by providing engaging, interactive learning experiences. The study supports the integration of digital storytelling into language instruction to improve oral communication abilities</p> Zizi Nurhikmah ##submission.copyrightStatement## http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2024-09-27 2024-09-27 6 1 47 52 10.36655/jetal.v6i1.1655 Realization of logical meaning in Christian and Moslem Debate on Soco Films https://jurnal.uhn.ac.id/index.php/jetal/article/view/1598 <p>This study is a critical discourse analysis study of metafunctions as part of the ideational function. And this research focus on the interpendency taxis system, namely parataxis and hypotaxis and&nbsp; relationship from logical semantics to expansion and projection in the analysis of Christian and Moslem Debate on SOCO films. By looking at the main focus and the overall analysis of this research, then study answered the following questions; what types of taxis are used in Christian and Moslem Debate on SOCO films and how the type of taxis are used in Christian and Moslem Debate on SOCO films. The Data were analized by descriptive qualitative analysis. The hypotaxis construction is more frequently occured than parataxis construction. It appears 136 times or 63.55%, meanwhile parataxis construction only appears 78 times or 36.45%.</p> Harpen H.P Silitonga ##submission.copyrightStatement## http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2024-09-29 2024-09-29 6 1 53 57 10.36655/jetal.v6i1.1598 THE EIGHTH GRADERS’ PERCEPTION ON SPEAKING ONLINE LEARNING DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN SMP IT MISYKAT AL-ANWAR https://jurnal.uhn.ac.id/index.php/jetal/article/view/602 <p>This research examines how students perceive online English learning as well as the advantages and disadvantages of online learning during the Covid 19 pandemic. Moreover, speaking skills require a lot of practice so that students are fluent in English. However, with the Covid-19 pandemic, all learning activities are carried out online. The problem of this research is how the students perceive online English learning and its advantages and disadvantages. The researchers used qualitative methods. Result of this research shows that learning to speak online through media such as Google Classroom, Google Meet, and Zoom makes students enjoy learning more because the material can be accessed from anywhere without having to come to school. The disadvantages are, that many students experienced material that was not conveyed, felt monotonous, and also that the network signal was inadequate for smooth learning.</p> Khofifah Indah Hasanah ##submission.copyrightStatement## http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2024-09-29 2024-09-29 6 1 58 65 10.36655/jetal.v6i1.602 Politeness Strategies in the 2020 Biden - Trump Preseidential Debate: A Pragmatic Analysis https://jurnal.uhn.ac.id/index.php/jetal/article/view/1672 <p>This research explores the use of politeness strategies in the 2020 U.S. Presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. The study aims to analyze how each candidate utilized these strategies to navigate the debate and influence public perception. By applying qualitative analysis, the research examines debate transcripts through the lens of Brown and Levinson's politeness theory, while also considering non-verbal cues using McNeill's coding scheme. The results show that Trump frequently employed direct and often confrontational bald-on-record strategies, whereas Biden leaned towards positive politeness, seeking to build a sense of connection with the audience. These findings provide valuable insights into the role of politeness strategies in political communication, highlighting their impact on the dynamics of public discourse.</p> Bayu Andika Prasatyo Devian Try Gustary ##submission.copyrightStatement## http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2024-09-29 2024-09-29 6 1 66 74 10.36655/jetal.v6i1.1672 Women’s Empowerment in Local and Global Fiction: From Toba Beyond https://jurnal.uhn.ac.id/index.php/jetal/article/view/1668 <p>This study explores women's empowerment in literature, focusing on the interplay between tradition and modernity across different cultural contexts. Employing comparative literary analysis, this research examines Lucy by Jamaica Kincaid and Mangalua by Idris Pasaribu. The methodology involves thematic and narrative analysis, where thematic analysis identifies key motifs related to empowerment, resistance, and gender roles, while narrative analysis examines how each character's story arc reflects broader societal norms. Through these analyses, the study highlights how each protagonist navigates societal expectations and challenges gender norms within traditional and modern frameworks. Findings indicate that both novels use women’s empowerment as a lens to critique and reshape cultural expectations, offering insights into gender roles across varied societies. The study concludes with recommendations for further research on cross-cultural gender narratives, acknowledges the limitations of focusing on only two novels, and suggests broader literary comparisons for future studies.</p> Karisma erikson tarigan Rosa Maria Simamora ##submission.copyrightStatement## http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2024-09-29 2024-09-29 6 1 75 85 10.36655/jetal.v6i1.1668