Learning in the Second Language Acquisition course of the Master’s Program in Linguistics, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), provides students with an experience that goes beyond theoretical learning by giving them opportunities to directly observe and engage in the process of second language acquisition.

One of the highlights of the course is an intermediate conversation class involving international students who are learning Indonesian. In this activity, Master’s students enrolled in the Second Language Acquisition course take on the role of tutors, assisting international students in learning and practicing Indonesian.

The activity provides a learning space that connects academic perspectives on second language acquisition with actual language-learning practices. Through interactions between tutors and learners, students can observe how a second language is learned and used in authentic communicative situations. Concepts discussed in the course—including interaction, language environment, individual factors, language transfer, and the cognitive and social processes involved in second language acquisition—can be explored more concretely through this hands-on experience.

The Second Language Acquisition course covers major theories, approaches, and key findings in the field of second language acquisition. Students are encouraged to analyze the cognitive, social, and environmental processes that influence second language acquisition, while also examining the differences between first and second language acquisition. The course further explores individual factors such as age and motivation, as well as language transfer and its implications for language teaching.

The involvement of international students as Indonesian language learners provides an authentic context for Master’s students to understand that second language acquisition does not occur in a uniform manner. Learners may have different needs, strategies, responses, and patterns of linguistic development. These differences provide valuable material for students to connect theoretical concepts with actual phenomena observed in second language acquisition.

In addition to conversation practice, the course incorporates weekly active seminar discussions, critical reading and academic article reviews, case studies based on authentic acquisition data, the integration of second-language (L2) corpus data or recorded interlanguage data, and collaborative mini research projects. Indonesian is used as the language of instruction throughout the course.

Through this learning approach, students are expected not only to explain and evaluate major theories and their development in second language acquisition, but also to critically analyze acquisition data and connect second language acquisition theories with language teaching practices. The experience of serving as tutors in the intermediate conversation class provides an important form of contextual learning that deepens students’ understanding of the complexities of second language acquisition.

The activity also demonstrates that learning in the Master’s Program in Linguistics extends beyond mastering theoretical concepts. Students are encouraged to bring theory into real-world contexts, observe linguistic phenomena directly, and reflect on their observations as part of their academic development and research training in linguistics.

Author: Master of Linguistics Program

Bantul — The PKM-PM Litera-Wayang team held a Wayang Kulit (puppet) performance arts and exhibition at SMKN 1 Kasihan, Bantul, marking the culmination of their community service initiative. The event showcased the students’ creative adaptation of ancient texts and provided a platform for puppetry arts students to demonstrate their talents following the program’s completion.

The showcase featured four young puppeteers from the school’s Puppetry Department performing two main plays: Bima Kutu Walang Taga and Gathotkaca Siyung. Both scripts were creatively adapted by the students from the ancient manuscript Pakem Grĕntĕng during the program.

Twelfth and eleventh-grade puppetry students supported the production as musical accompanists and stage crew. Attendees included the principal of SMKN 1 Kasihan, the head of the Puppetry Department, school members, representatives from the Bantul Regency Cultural Office, and dozens of students. School officials welcomed the initiative, noting that integrating ancient manuscript adaptation into arts education is a first for the institution.

In addition to the performance, a documentation and literacy exhibition was set up outside the indoor arena. The display highlighted the students’ creative journey through visual records and photos, covering script analysis, puppet making, and stage rehearsals. Interactive QR codes were also available, allowing visitors to explore the manuscript adaptation process.

This event marks a successful collaboration between the PKM-PM Litera-Wayang team and the school. Through this program’s outcomes, the team hopes the manuscript adaptation method will be integrated into the vocational curriculum to support cultural preservation and foster creativity among the youth.

Author: Najwa Aulya Aliff Na’im

Yogyakarta, August 19th 2026 – On that day, students of Daito Bunka University, Japan, attend INCULS intensive program’s closing ceremony, which was held at Gedung Soegondo, Fakultas Ilmu Budaya (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM).

Closing ceremony marks as the conclusion of Daito Bunka 2 weeks Indonesian language and culture learning journey here in Yogyakarta. Through INCULS, learning Indonesian is never limited to the confines of classroom walls, they have the chance to discover the people, language, culture, and also the daily lives of Indonesians on a firsthand basis.

In this ceremony, students as well as teachers look back on the various experiences they had gotten in this short time. With a warm atmosphere and everyone in harmony, enjoying the last seconds before they inevitably part ways. It ends with everyone saying their thanks to all the people helpful throughout their stay in UGM, those include the teachers, tutors, and INCULS team.

For the Daito Bunka University students, this program will be an invaluable experience to further improve their Indonesian language capabilities as well as understanding the Indonesian culture. Firsthand interactions with the locals also gives an insight in not just the language aspects of things, moreover the characteristic and culture of Indonesian people.

We hope UGM’s INCULS continue to be a space for everyone from around the world to explore the language and culture of Indonesia. We hope the academic relations and cultural exchange between both countries will blossom through activities like this. The end of a program is not the end of the student’s learning journey. With hopes that the experience and memories gained at Yogyakarta could become of help to the students of Daito Bunka University in their continuous journey of learning Indonesian language, also serving as a bridge to strengthen the relationship between Indonesia and Japan.

Author: Suryono (Lin Fan Yu)

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed an educational visit from SMA Negeri 2 Karanganyar on Tuesday (1/9/2026). Held at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium from 09:00 to 10:00 WIB, the event was attended by approximately 250 12th-grade students who enthusiastically got to know the campus environment up close.

The session opened with a presentation by FIB UGM Public Relations representative, Swety. She provided an overview of UGM as well as the various study programs available at FIB UGM. To add to the excitement, the presentation included an interactive quiz, with top-scoring participants receiving attractive souvenirs.

The Q&A session turned out to be the most interactive moment. Several students asked insightful questions, ranging from how to become a tutor in the Indonesian Language and Culture Learning Service (INCULS) program to scholarship pathways at UGM.

Responding to these inquiries, FIB UGM Public Relations representative, Yazid, explained that UGM provides various forms of financial aid. Scholarship opportunities stem not only from within the university but also from government and private partner institutions.

This visit is expected to broaden the horizons of SMA Negeri 2 Karanganyar students regarding university life while motivating them to seize various academic opportunities at Universitas Gadjah Mada.

[Author: Humas FIB, Zaidan Abdurrahman]

YOGYAKARTA – As they enter their fifth semester, students of the Arabic Literature Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Class of 2024, are beginning to prepare for their academic and career paths. This was among the topics discussed during a meeting with the Head of the Study Program and Academic Advisor, Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati, which covered study planning, final projects, and internship opportunities.

The meeting began with a discussion on students’ academic progress and the plans they have started to develop. Some students have already expressed an interest in literature, linguistics, and translation, while others are still considering their options for their final projects. Dr. Zulfa also provided guidance on academic planning, including key considerations related to the implementation of the 2021 and 2026 curricula.

Beyond coursework, students were encouraged to view their fifth semester as an ideal time to gain experience outside the classroom, particularly through internships. Sultan, who previously completed an internship at the Directorate of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, shared his experience during the internship. He discussed the process of securing the position and the various responsibilities he undertook, including supporting state events and diplomatic visits. Drawing from his experience, Sultan emphasized the importance of early preparation, from completing the necessary documents to developing communication and coordination skills.

The discussion then expanded to broader career opportunities with Garin Arivian, a 2020 alumnus of the Arabic Literature Study Program. He encouraged students to recognize that Arabic language skills can lead to diverse career paths rather than being limited to a single field. Diplomacy, international organizations, research and think tanks, media, and the private sector are among the areas that Arabic Literature graduates can explore. Students were therefore encouraged to begin identifying the fields they would like to pursue and developing the skills needed to support their career goals. Garin also emphasized the importance of maintaining a well-organized CV, building a professional LinkedIn profile, developing a writing portfolio, and strengthening English proficiency to access opportunities at the international level.

The discussion also extended beyond opportunities in Indonesia, with students exploring internship and short-term program opportunities abroad. Some expressed interest in gaining experience at embassies and international research institutions. Garin also offered to assist students seeking such opportunities, particularly those related to research institutions and think tanks. Throughout the process, students were encouraged to consult with the Study Program and their Academic Advisor to ensure that the opportunities they pursue align with their academic needs and can be appropriately recognized as part of their academic development.

The meeting provided an opportunity for students of the Arabic Literature Study Program, Class of 2024, to connect their academic studies with internship experiences and future career plans. The fifth semester is therefore not merely a stage for completing academic credits, but also a valuable period for exploring opportunities, gaining practical experience, and beginning to define the professional paths they wish to pursue after graduation.

Author : Indana Zulfa Maulida