ALTERA: Journal of Applied Linguistics, English Education, and Literature

Investigating the Use of Google Translate to Improve Speaking Proficiency in Third Semester Students at STKIP BUDIDAYA Binjai

2024-09-14T18:26:07+07:00

Technology integration in education is becoming increasingly prevalent, heralding a new era of innovative and streamlined teaching methodologies. This study assesses the efficacy of the Google Translate internet application in enhancing the oral proficiency of third-semester students at STKIP Budidaya Binjai. Employing a classroom action research approach, the study comprises a single phase encompassing four sequential stages: planning, action, observation, and reflection, aligning with the framework proposed by Kemmis and McTaggart. Each phase is meticulously organized and executed to ensure methodical progression. The study cohort comprises twenty-one students, eighteen female and three male participants, all enrolled in the third semester. Findings from the investigation reveal a notable enhancement in students' speaking abilities following the implementation of Google Translate. Notably, the application's comprehensive features, encompassing audio, images, and written explanations for English words, contribute significantly to this improvement. Moreover, the accessibility and offline functionality of Google Translate streamline the learning process, rendering it more effective and efficient compared to traditional dictionary usage.

Slangification of Social Media: A Cross-Platform Analysis of Language Trends

2024-09-15T18:53:43+07:00

This study examines the phenomenon of slang usage on social media platforms, specifically focusing on the processes involved in forming new words from a phonological perspective. This study employs an exploratory and descriptive research design within a qualitative framework; the investigation aims to comprehensively explore and illustrate patterns and phenomena of slang across diverse social media platforms. Drawing on the phonological theory proposed by Muslich M and the slang classification system outlined by Allan and Burridge, the study identifies various linguistic mechanisms, including assimilation, zeroization, metathesis, and anaptyxis, that contribute to the creation of slang words. The research findings offer valuable insights into linguistic creativity within online social contexts, shedding light on how slang usage reflects identity and cultural dynamics. Through analyzing slang terms such as "Phu Khi" and "Ngab," the study highlights phonological variations and linguistic adaptations inherent in forming new slang expressions. The implications of this research extend to a deeper understanding of the pivotal role played by slang in online communication and the ongoing evolution of language in the digital age.

An Analysis of Language Styles on Social Media: Twitter Case Study

2024-09-16T11:33:13+07:00

This study presents the findings derived from an investigation into the language styles employed by users of the Twitter platform. The primary objective of this research is to discern and categorize various language styles prevalent on Twitter, including frozen, formal, casual, consultative, and intimate styles. Additionally, the study seeks to ascertain the predominant types of these language styles manifested within the Twitter environment. A qualitative descriptive approach was adopted to achieve this aim, enabling a thorough examination of linguistic patterns and trends exhibited in Twitter discourse. The dataset comprises 30 tweets, meticulously collected through screenshots from diverse Twitter accounts. The analysis reveals that the casual style is the most prevalent among Twitter users, encompassing approximately 40% of the sampled tweets. In contrast, the frozen style registers the lowest occurrence, accounting for merely 10% of the entire corpus. The prominence of the casual style underscores the informal and conversational nature of communication on the Twitter platform, reflecting the platform's role as a space for relaxed and spontaneous interactions. Conversely, the limited utilization of the frozen style suggests a lesser prevalence of formal or fixed expressions within Twitter discourse. These findings shed light on the dynamic interplay between language styles and online communication practices, offering insights into the communicative preferences and norms within virtual social environments.

The Role of Emoji in EFL Student Communication: An Analytical Approach

2024-09-16T17:26:12+07:00

This study aims to assess the analysis of using emojis in EFL Students' communication. Specifically, the researchers seek to analyze the usefulness of utilizing emoji features offered by digital platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, or Telegram applications on EFL students. Ordinary users employ a blend of punctuation and emojis to generate it. This applies solely within a container for exchanging messages based on text. This study employs the uses and gratifications theory. This theory posits that media users possess an active agency in selecting and utilizing a media platform to facilitate disseminating their information requirements. The uses and gratification hypothesis posits that people have different options to fulfill their wants. Aside from employing a survey methodology that involved questionnaires as a means of data gathering, the researchers also conducted direct observations or firsthand observations of individuals' usage of emojis on social media platforms. The researchers also consulted many articles that examined the use of emoji in communication and the efficacy of emoji in conveying emotions to communicate messages. According to research, including emojis in a conversation or digital communication can substantially impact how a person is seen. This influence can enhance the efficacy of digital communication. While establishing a shared understanding between individuals might be challenging, employing this emoji can mitigate the likelihood of misinterpretation. This research demonstrates that the utilization of emoji can impact the communication process.

What's Behind the Tears? Investigating the Role of Crying Emojis in WhatsApp Chats among College Students

2024-09-16T22:20:02+07:00

The research employed a qualitative descriptive methodology to investigate the utilization of WhatsApp, a mobile messaging and calling application. WhatsApp offers various features, including text messaging, image sharing, audio files, and more. To enhance the robustness of the findings, the researcher utilized a sample drawn from social media platforms, recognizing them as sources of substantial evidence regarding communication channels and message conveyance. Additionally, the study drew upon relevant literature from scholarly journals exploring the role of emojis in communication and their efficacy in expressing emotions. The research focused specifically on students from a university, particularly those enrolled in the English department at UMSU. The sample size comprised ten students who participated in the study.

An Analysis of Students’ Difficulties in Translating English Descriptive Text into Indonesia at the Seventh Grade of SMP Negeri 1 Salapian

2025-01-30T21:10:25+07:00

The purpose of this research is to analyze students' difficulties in translation, students' process in translating, and the reasons why students experience difficulties in translating English descriptive texts into Indonesian which have been analyzed from Class VII students of SMP Negeri 1 Salapian. This study used descriptive qualitative method. In this study, researchers took a sample of 10 student from class VII at SMP Negeri 1 Salapian. Based on student translation tests, this research shows students' difficulties in translating descriptive text. Researchers summarize them into three types: 1) Accuracy, 2) Grammtically and 3) Equivalence. There are many aspects of difficulty associated with this type. The difficulties they experience are grammar, unfamiliar vocabulary, and word choice. Apart from that, there are several factors that make students difficult in translation tests, as follows: student knowledge, student willingness to learn, and teaching techniques. The results of the research were 80% accuracy from 10 students who did not understand accuracy. The results of research on grammar understanding were that 70% of 10 students did not understand grammar. Equivalence Percentage 80% of 10 students who have difficulty translating into the target language, difficulty composing words, weak vocabulary, and poor understanding of translation.