Al-Muyassar: Journal of Arabic Education
Vol 5 No 1 (2026): Al-Muyassar: Journal of Arabic Education

NAVIGATING CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS IDENTITY THROUGH ARABIC AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION: STUDENTS' AND TEACHERS' PERSPECTIVES

Suparmanto (Universitas Islam Negeri Mataram)
Muhsinin (Universitas Islam Negeri Mataram)
Ruwaida (IAI Hamzanwadi Pancor)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 May 2026

Abstract

This study examined student and instructor opinions of the unique roles that Arabic and English play in influencing cultural and religious identities within Indonesian pesantren, institutions that endeavor to reconcile traditional Islamic education with global expectations. This study used a qualitative research paradigm to perform a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between language acquisition and identity development within the pesantren setting. This study utilises a case study methodology to perform a thorough uation of how pesantren institutions incorporate Arabic and English training to foster cultural and religious identity. The study utilized questionnaires distributed to 111 students and 8 teachers to determine the impact of various languages on identity formation. Research consistently indicates that Arabic is regarded as essential for religious identity and cultural preservation; pupils strongly associate it with faith and legacy, a perspective unanimously supported by educators. In contrast, English exhibited a complex representation. Although acknowledged for its worldwide prospects and influence on personal identity, many students encountered difficulties in preserving their religious and cultural identity while acquiring English language skills. Educators also recognized this dual function of English. Notwithstanding these conflicts, a significant majority of students contended that bilingualism in both languages eventually enriches their entire identity. This study emphasizes the necessity for a balanced, culturally sensitive teaching that recognizes Arabic's fundamental significance while deliberately incorporating English to cultivate strong, multidimensional identities that are grounded in heritage and engaged worldwide.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

al

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences Other

Description

Al-Muyassar: Journal of Arabic Education is a journal published twice a year (June and December), is a multilingual (Bahasa, Arabic, and English), and specializes in Arabic Education and Arabic Studies. This journal published by the Arabic Education Department, Faculty of Islamic, Muhammadiyah ...