<![CDATA[Applied linguistics plays a crucial role in supporting the development of effective and meaningful Indonesian language learning at the elementary school level. The implementation of linguistic principles in teaching enables educators to design learning activities that not only emphasize mastery of language rules but likewise foster students' communicative competence and literacy skills. This study has the aim to analyze the application of applied linguistics in Indonesian language learning in elementary schools and to identify instructional strategies that contribute to extend students' language competence and literacy. The study employed a qualitative approach using a library research design. Data were collected from scientific journal articles, books, curriculum documents, and other relevant literature related to applied linguistics, language teaching, and elementary education. The collected data were analyzed through content analysis involving data reduction, categorization, interpretation, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that the application of applied linguistics through linguistic components, including phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and discourse analysis, provides a strong foundation for developing contextual, interactive, and student-centered learning. Furthermore, the integration of these linguistic aspects with literacy-oriented instructional strategies enhances students' listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while promoting critical thinking and effective communication. The study concludes that applied linguistics serves as a strategic foundation for improving the quality of Indonesian language instruction in elementary schools. Therefore, teachers are encouraged to integrate linguistic principles into instructional planning and implementation to strengthen students' language competence and literacy in accordance with the goals of the Merdeka Curriculum.]]>
