Yogyakarta, June 23, 2025 — The Department of Language and Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a public lecture titled “Childism and the Defamiliarization of Language in Ziggy Zezsyazeoviennazabrizkie’s Works.” The event was conducted both offline and online, featuring renowned writer Ziggy Zezsyazeoviennazabrizkie as the main speaker, with Narayda Akmal as the discussant and Ruhaeni Intan as the moderator.

The lecture opened with a presentation by Narayda Akmal, who reviewed several of Ziggy’s works, including di Tanah Lada, Kita Pergi Hari Ini, and Semua Ikan di Langit. She highlighted how these works reflect the spirit of childism, a perspective that provides agency to children in a world that often neglects their voices and experiences. Ziggy’s language was seen as unique and unconventional, creating a distance from common linguistic norms while revealing the complexity of childhood.

Through her writings, Ziggy seeks to challenge the traditional view of children as passive beings. On the contrary, she presents children as active figures responding to harsh social realities. The linguistic strategies in her works are not mere playfulness, but serve as a medium to raise issues such as poverty, inequality, and alienation within the domestic space.

In the novel di Tanah Lada, for instance, the experiences of children facing urban poverty are portrayed sharply. The home is no longer a place of refuge but a source of suffering. Ziggy depicts simplicity through the eyes of children trapped in the misunderstanding of adults—a condition that often leads to emotional neglect and miscommunication.

Meanwhile, Semua Ikan di Langit combines elements of fantasy, science fiction, fairy tales, and mythology. The road novel format adopted in this book allows readers to follow the imaginative journey of the main character, while also accessing layers of meaning that challenge conventional ways of understanding childhood.

Moderator Ruhaeni Intan added a perspective on the importance of space for writers to store and process their ideas. She used the metaphor of a suitcase full of thoughts waiting to be unpacked to emphasize the creative process, which is inseparable from the role of the literary community. In this process, writers do not work alone but are connected with publishers, readers, and researchers who appreciate and develop literary studies.

The event concluded with an interactive discussion session and a group photo. Participants actively asked questions regarding the implications of childism in literature and its impact on social life. This discussion reinforced the importance of basic literacy skills and critical education in understanding the complex realities of childhood.

In conclusion, the lecture provided significant insights into the representation of children in literature. Beyond enriching academic discourse, this event also supported the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on quality education and Goal 10 on reducing inequality through the empowerment of children’s perspectives.

[Public Relation, Alma Syahwalani]

On September 5, 2024, a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) took place in the Conference Room 1 of the Dean’s Building of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). This event was held as part of an effort to develop an online adaptive Arabic language test instrument based on ACTFL theory using CBT (Computer-Based Testing) at Darussalam Gontor University.

The researchers from Universitas Darussalam Gontor who attended this event were Dr. Ihwan Mahmudi, Dr. Ahmad Saifulloh, Dr. Moh. Ismail, and Dr. Izzul Fatawi. They explained the linguistic test development plan that they designed to improve the quality of Arabic language teaching through an adaptive testing approach.

The event was also attended by lecturers from the Faculty of Humanities UGM who gave a warm welcome to the researchers. The discussion focused on sharing information and experiences regarding the different types of language tests that have been implemented at the Faculty of Humanities UGM. The UGM lecturers provided valuable guidance and insights on how to develop and implement effective language tests, as well as the challenges that may be faced in the process.

This collaboration between Universitas Darussalam Gontor and the UGM Faculty of Cultural Sciences is expected to produce better test instruments, which not only measure Arabic language proficiency effectively but also adapt to the needs and latest technological developments in language education. 

This activity is an important step forward in efforts to improve the quality of Arabic language learning and is expected to be a model for other institutions in the development of technology-based language tests.

Adiba Qonita Zahroh, S.S., M.Litt., Assistant Expert at the Department of Language and Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, was a presenter at the English and TOEFL ITP training activities that took place on 24-26 June 2024. This activity was conducted in a hybrid manner, combining face-to-face and online sessions, with support from Bappenas NTB.

The training aimed to improve participants’ skills in English, especially in preparation for TOEFL ITP, which includes Listening Comprehension, Structure and Writing Expression, and Reading Comprehension. The event was designed to provide in-depth understanding and effective strategies in dealing with the various components of the TOEFL ITP exam.

Participants came from various academic and professional backgrounds. Participants were given the opportunity to provide feedback on the effectiveness of the training. This evaluation aims to measure the achievement of the training objectives and determine areas that need improvement for similar activities in the future. With this training, Adiba Qonita Zahroh hopes to make a positive contribution to the participants’ preparation for the TOEFL ITP and improve their overall English language skills.

At the ‘English and TOEFL ITP Training’ activity held on 24-26 June 2024 via online yesterday, Adiba Qonita Zahroh, S.S., M.Litt., who is an Expert Assistant at the Department of Language and Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, introduced a TOEFL Pocket Book. This book is specifically designed to help students, educators, and institutions in understanding and preparing for the TOEFL Institutional Testing Programme (ITP) exam.

The book, titled ‘Handbook of TOEFL ITP’, is a comprehensive guide that provides detailed information on the structure of the TOEFL ITP exam, question types, preparation strategies, as well as additional resources to ensure examinee success. ‘The purpose of this book is to provide a useful tool for those who want to better prepare for the TOEFL ITP. We hope that this book can be the main reference that facilitates the learning process and prepares test takers for the TOEFL challenge,’ said Adiba Qonita Zahroh.

This project has the support and co-operation of Bappenas NTB, demonstrating their commitment to educational development and exam quality improvement at the local level. This handbook is expected to be a valuable resource for various groups involved in TOEFL ITP preparation. With the launch of this book, Adiba Qonita Zahroh hopes to make a significant contribution towards improving TOEFL ITP exam results as well as supporting broader education efforts in the area.

Dr. Pujiharto, M.Hum., Main Supervisor/Head Lecturer at the Department of Language and Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, was recently involved in Community Service as a resource person at the Socialization of Independent Sensor Village. The event took place on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Ambarketawang Village, Gamping, Yogyakarta. On this occasion, Dr. Pujiharto delivered material on sound in language and literature, film, and censorship.

The Desa Sensor Mandiri program aims to form and strengthen community awareness in sorting and choosing spectacles wisely. The program involves a series of activities carried out continuously in selected villages or sub-districts, with the hope of creating human resources capable of self-censorship.

Through this program, it is hoped that the community can increase their literacy to protect themselves from the negative impact of films, as well as maintain regional customs and culture so that they are preserved and sustainable. In addition, this program is in line with Article 61 of Law No. 33/2009 on Film, which states that the Film Censorship Board (LSF) is tasked with assisting the public in choosing and enjoying quality films, as well as understanding the influence of films and film advertisements.