Social Science Academic
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026)

Beyond Language Proficiency: Investigating Socio-Cultural Communication Practices in English Learning among University Students

Ida Bagus Nyoman Mantra (Universits Mahasaraswati Denpasar)
Anak Agung Putri Maharani (Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar)
Nengah Dwi Handayani (Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar)
Ni Wayan Adi Priantini (Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar)
Ida Ayu Praba Iswari Dewi (Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 Sep 2026

Abstract

Learning English in higher education has typically focused on the development of language competence. This study explored the socio-cultural communication in the English acquisition of university students, especially their negotiation of meaning, cultural identity building, responses to diversity and classroom communication adaptability. A qualitative study approach was adopted in an effort to explore the students' communication experiences in the real learning contexts in depth. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews, classroom observations and document analysis. The results highlight the importance of socio-cultural elements in students’ English communication. Learners clarified, repeated, reworded, contextualized and adapted to overcome language and culture misinterpretations. The results indicate that students often employed local cultural experiences and personal identities as tools for meaning-making and participation in classroom activities. Collaborative educational activities, especially dyadic and group dialogs, offered an opportunity for learners to negotiate interpretations and to engage different perspectives. However, the document analysis showed that socio-cultural communication was not routinely specified as a clearly defined learning aim or assessment criterion. This study implies that English language training in higher education should go beyond the narrow focus on linguistic competence and systematically integrate socio-cultural communication into educational objectives, pedagogical strategies and assessment.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ssa

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

This journal is published by Institut Agama Islam Sunan Giri Ponorogo and managet by LPPM INSURI Ponorogo twice a year (June an December). The presence of the journal accommodates scientific writings from the academic community, researchers, students, and practices in social and Humanities that have ...