[Article Journal Review - Introduction] Learning English as Foreign Language in Indonesia through English Children's Literature by Leni Marlina

Introduction : English as Foreign Language (EFL) in Indonesia

Title of the article : Learning English as Foreign Language in Indonesia through English Children's Literature

Author : Leni Marlina from State University of Padang

Taken from The International Journal of Literacies by Common Ground Volume 19 Issue 4 with ISBN 2327-0136

In this Introduction section, the author—Leni Marlina has portrayed EFL history in Indonesia. She describes when EFL began in Indonesia. EFL began in Indonesia since 1945, after Indonesian Independence Day. This section also tells us about EFL in Indonesia Curriculum. In the newest curriculum (curriculum 2013), English has been removed at elementary school because students should increase their awareness and ability to study Indonesian language.

Leni Marlina explains that the term of EFL is more appropriate than ESL because the EFL learning refers to the situation where the learners are learning English in context where English as a target language is not uncommon within the society in which the learners are living. I agree with author’s opinion. As we see, English has been foreign language in Indonesia beside national language and vernacular language.

The author also talks about problem that teachers will face to teach EFL. In order to teach EFL, teachers should provide attractive learning material. It can motivate students to learn EFL. Literary text is one of the many materials that can empower students to learn EFL. Leni Marlina states that children’s literature can be use for teaching EFL. In Indonesia, many students in secondary school still have limit grammar and vocabulary. So it is really important to give reading text based on their ability. Children’s literature is appropriate for secondary school because it has interesting topics, simple grammar and vocabulary, colorful illustrations and short length story.

Children’s literature can help students to increase their English vocabulary. Children’s literature also can help students to be critical thinker. Leni Marlina states that teaching English should be optimal by using children’s literature because it can help students to understand English and practice critical thinking.

I agree with Leni Marlina’s strategy. Using English Children’s litearture is really attrcative and can help students to learn English easily. I also agree with statement which explain the importance of choosing reading text that appropriate based on student’s ability. English children’s literature is appropriate in order to teaching EFL for non-English students.

Previous review : Article Journal Review