Arabic Loanwords in Bahasa Indonesia: Phonological Changes and Pedagogical Implications

Fatonah Puji Astuti (Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta)
Dwiyanto Djoko Pranowo (Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta)

Formosa Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (FJMR)
Vol. 4 No. 7 (2025): July 2025

This study investigates the phonological and semantic transformation of Arabic loanwords in Bahasa Indonesia and their pedagogical implications. Using qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected from the Arabic textbooks for Madrasah Tsanawiyah (grade VII-IX) published by the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs in 2020, and supported by documentary analysis.  A total 190 Arabic loanwords were identified, categorized by their phonological and semantic changes. The majority showed phonological adaptation with meaning retention. Finding reveal that loanwords are contextually presented, but lack comparative explanations between original Arabic and Indonesian usage. Pedagogically, this study highlights the need for semantic comparison, scaffolded instructions, and cultural contextualization to enhance vocabulary learning. The integration of Arabic loanwords reflects both linguistic adaptation and identity reinforcement in Islamic education.