Issues of Social Values in the Arabic Teaching of Islamic Higher Education Students in Indonesia

Abstract

Research into the use of Arabic slang in the educational context is rare. This study therefore examines the use of Arabic slang among students in Islamic higher education in Indonesia. It applies an interpretative case study design to investigate the use of slang within the Arabic Language Study Program of the State Islamic Institute (IAIN), Kendari. The results reveal that Arabic slang in a learning context is soft, easily acceptable, and memorable. It does not involve harsh words, symbols of resistance, or curses. In practice, slang is delivered in the form of declarative sentences that serve to convey information. In addition, it comprises imperative and interrogative sentences to give orders and ask questions, respectively. It arises out of a combination of habit and creativity problems, thus shortening or oversimplifying Arabic sentences. To overcome this issue, campus leaders have developed coaching models, including establishing debating competitions in Arabic, holding Arabic camps, applying integrative learning, and raising students’ awareness of the importance of official Arabic. This research shows that Arabic slang can represent an alternative medium for learning Arabic among students, both in Indonesia and the wider world.