Al-Ta'dib: Jurnal Kajian Ilmu Kependidikan
Vol. 19 No. 2 (2026): In-Press

Language acculturation and identity construction: A narrative inquiry of Filipino teachers in Indonesia

Molina, Merry Luz (Unknown)
Tambunan, Anna Riana Suryanti (Unknown)
Ariatna (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Jul 2026

Abstract

While language, identity, and acculturation have been widely examined, limited research has explored how Filipino migrant teachers in Southeast Asia, particularly in Medan, Indonesia, construct their identities through everyday language experiences. This study investigates how Filipino migrant teachers negotiate identity through language acculturation. Grounded in Identity Theory and informed by perspectives on language identity and acculturation, the study employed a qualitative Narrative Inquiry design involving five Filipino migrant teachers. Data were collected through narrative interviews and photovoice, then analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that identity is dynamic and continuously reshaped through language acculturation. Initially, participants experienced diminished confidence due to limited proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia, affecting their professional self-perception. As they gradually acquired and used the language in daily interactions, they regained confidence and reconstructed their identities. Ultimately, language functioned as a bridge that fostered belonging while integrating their Filipino identity with their lived experiences in Indonesia.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

al-tadib

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

Al-Tadib: Jurnal Kajian Ilmu Kependidikan is a forum publishing original articles related to research-based education or Islamic education. It is published by Fakultas Tarbiyah dan Ilmu Keguruan Institut Agama Islam Negeri Kendari (Faculty of Education and Teaching, IAIN Kendari). This journal is ...