Journal of Urban Society´s Arts
Vol 13, No 1 (2026): April 2026

An Exploratory Diffusion of Metaphorical Gestures-Based Choreography for Sign Language Learning

Riana Diah Sitharesmi (State University of Gorontalo)
La Ode Karlan (State University of Gorontalo)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Apr 2026

Abstract

Since the arrival of a deaf student in 2024, the department of Pendidikan Sendratasik Universitas Negeri Gorontalo has continued to strive for appropriate strategies to accommodate inclusive learning. Sign language serves as primary communication tool, which also support other learning accomodations. A problem emerges for the hearing students regarding learning sign language as a new language, amidst the mostly hectic artistic projects of this department. This research presents a strategy to learn sign language within a choreographic project which explores metaphorical gestures. The objective is to introduce Indonesian Sign Language (BISINDO) to dance students through an exploratory diffusion that is passed down from the core group (dense) to the open group (open). The research uses an artistic-based research as a research method within the approach of self-ethnography to allow the process of contemporary dance creation involves ethics of inclusivity. The results show a collaborative dance work entitled “Tanda Tanda Sunyi Bunyi” as an output of exploring metaphorical gestures diffusively, and that through it, the students understand the using of basic BISINDO. The research discusses the kinesthetics exploration as a form of knowledge distinguishes contemporary dance as a style, providing choreographic experience to the dancers (participants) while they also practising and sosializing BISINDO. It concludes that learning BISINDO in an artistic way is an ethical strategy to create inclusive environmet by integrating sign language practice within the art project. In this way, the department can fairly engage its deaf student in both academic activities and artistic culture.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JOUSA

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities Social Sciences

Description

Journal of Urban Society's Art ( Junal Seni masyarakat Urban) memuat hasil-hasil penelitian dan penciptaan seni yang tumbuh dan berkembang di masyarakat perkotaan yang memiliki struktur dan kultur yang berbeda dengan masyarakat pedesaan. Seni masyarakat urban merupakan manifestasi seni yang ...