BAHASTRA
Vol. 46 No. 1 (2026): BAHASTRA

Interrogatives as a pedagogical discourse strategy: Reinterpreting Propp’s narrative structure in children’s storybooks and its implications for critical literacy development

Eliya, Ixsir (Unknown)
Nuthihar , Rahmad (Unknown)
Damaianti, Vismaia S. (Unknown)
Seles , Susi (Unknown)
Aljamaliah, S. Nailul Muna (Unknown)
Afriani , Zelvia Liska (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
20 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study aims to reinterpret Propp’s narrative structure in children’s storybooks by positioning interrogative sentences as pedagogical discourse strategies and examining their implications for the development of children’s critical literacy. This study adopts a qualitative approach within a pedagogical discourse framework, drawing on Vladimir Propp’s model to identify narrative functions in the text. The results showed that Lomba Tebak Cepat and Bermain Teka-teki followed similar narrative patterns, repeating Propp’s functions ξ, M, and Pr eleven times. On the other hand, Buah Apa, ya? followed a different sequence—ξ – M – Pr – G – Q – N – I—with the M – Pr – G pattern appearing three times. The interrogative sentences in all three books were either total or partial and mainly informative, using the word “apa” and the Indonesian particle “-kah.” Repeating these questions helped shape new narrative patterns. Overall, Propp’s structure can be simplified as E – P – p1, p2, p3… – X – Y – R – E, showing how a mix of interrogatives and narrative functions makes these storybooks more engaging and interactive for children. The findings show that interrogative sentences function as pedagogical strategies that actively engage children in understanding the story. Through interrogative sentences, children are encouraged to think critically and use their reasoning to make sense of the text, thereby supporting their literacy development, especially in critical and reflective thinking.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

BAHASTRA

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Bahastra is open access peer review national journal that published an article about the study of Indonesian language and literature education, Indonesian language studies, and Indonesian Literary Studies. Bahastra is providing a platform for the researchers, academicians, professional, ...