AGE NEWS – The ultimate aim of mastering any language is to be able to apply it in everyday situations. Therefore, “simple” abilities to carry out simple tasks such as introducing oneself or negotiating prices at a market are essential. The BIPA (Bahasa Indonesia bagi Penutur Asing/Indonesian For Foreign Speakers) program, offered by the Pusat Bahasa dan Multibudaya (Center of Language and Multicultures) at Universitas Airlangga, is acutely aware of this. Based on the CEFR, this program is specifically designed to equip learners with the language skills necessary for daily use.
BIPA presents 3 main categories for 3 levels of language learners: Basic, Independent, and Proficient. Before starting the course, students will have to take a placement test to find out which proficiency level they’re in. For each level of learners, a syllabus is well designed to ensure the improvement of students’ writing and oral skills. Learning a language is more than just in-classroom learning and listening to lectures. BIPA provides field trips as part of the syllabus. These trips are designed to immerse students in the local culture, providing them with real-life language practice and a deeper understanding of the language’s cultural context. Students will get to participate in fun cultural activities like cooking local food or batik. Culture is deeply embedded in every language, so cultural activities will expand your skills in a language even further.
One of these activities is cooking rujak. Before cooking, students must also buy the ingredients themselves. To ensure they are equipped with the skills necessary to shop at a local market, students must first practice asking and negotiating prices in the classroom. They also learn about the Indonesian currency and the colourful Indonesian cashes. After in-classroom practice, they are then ready to go and utilize their newly learned skills in real-life everyday settings. This method of learning effectively raises students’ confidence in their oral skills and pushes them to sharpen their proficiency, especially when conversing with local speakers.
Author: Zahra Hanifa Ramadhani – Digital Engagement Intern
