Parents' attitudes and sociocultural factors influencing English for young learners in Indonesia: A critical discourse analysis

Öz

The debate surrounding the benefits of English for Young Learners (EYL) continues to attract significant attention, particularly from non-academic circles, notably Indonesian parents. This research explores the increasing demand for English, influenced by global sociocultural and political trends. Employing critical discourse analysis, the study examines parents’ attitudes toward the current state of EYL in Indonesia and identifies the factors shaping these attitudes. The findings revealed a preference among parents for early English language learning for their children, and a perceived necessity for English instruction in young learners. Themes emerged from the parents’ discourse on EYL, highlighting the belief that earlier foreign language learning begins, the better; English acquisition adds life value, ensures future success, promotes internationalisation prospects, and reflects responsible parenting. Interestingly, the study highlights that EYL trends and demands were not solely driven by academic or research circles but significantly influenced by non-academic groups, especially parents as a cohesive community force. Consequently, the study underscores the importance of engaging all stakeholders, including policy makers, school principals, and teachers, in active collaboration with the local community, with particular attention to parents’ perspectives and insights. This collaborative approach is crucial for the development of effective EYL policies and practices in Indonesia.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Critical Discourse Analysis
• English as a Foreign Language
• English for Young Learners
• Parents
• Young Children.

Parents' attitudes and sociocultural factors influencing English for young learners in Indonesia: A critical discourse analysis

Öz

Genç Öğrenciler için İngilizce'nin (EYL) faydalarıyla ilgili tartışma, özellikle akademik olmayan çevrelerden, özellikle Endonezyalı ebeveynlerden önemli ölçüde ilgi çekmeye devam ediyor. Bu araştırma, küresel sosyokültürel ve siyasi eğilimlerin etkisi altında İngilizce'ye olan artan talebi keşfeder. Eleştirel söylem analizi kullanarak, çalışma Endonezya'daki EYL'nin mevcut durumuna ebeveynlerin tutumlarını inceleyerek ve bu tutumları şekillendiren faktörleri belirleyerek gerçekleştirilmiştir. Bulgular, ebeveynler arasında çocukları için erken İngilizce dil öğrenmeye yönelik bir tercih ve genç öğrencilere İngilizce öğretiminin bir zorunluluk olarak algılandığını ortaya koymaktadır. EYL ile ilgili olarak ebeveynlerin söylemlerinden ortaya çıkan temalar, yabancı dil öğreniminin ne kadar erken başlarsa o kadar iyi olduğuna, İngilizce öğreniminin yaşam değeri eklediğine, gelecekteki başarıyı güvence altına aldığına, uluslararasılaşma olanaklarını teşvik ettiğine ve sorumlu ebeveynliği yansıttığına dair inancı vurgulamaktadır. İlginç bir şekilde, çalışma, EYL eğilimlerinin ve taleplerinin yalnızca akademik veya araştırma çevrelerinden kaynaklanmadığını, özellikle ebeveynlerin tutkulu bir topluluk gücü olarak belirgin bir şekilde etkilendiğini ortaya koymaktadır. Bu nedenle, çalışma, politika yapıcılar, okul müdürleri ve öğretmenler de dahil olmak üzere tüm paydaşların, özellikle ebeveynlerin bakış açılarına ve görüşlerine özel dikkat göstererek yerel toplulukla aktif işbirliği içinde olmasının önemini vurgular. Bu işbirliği yaklaşımı, Endonezya'da etkili EYL politika ve uygulamalarının geliştirilmesi açısından hayati öneme sahiptir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Eleştirel Söylem Analizi
• Yabancı Dil olarak İngilizce
• Genç Öğrenciler için İngilizce
• Ebeveyn Tutumu
• Küçük Çocuklar.

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