cover
Contact Name
PURWARNO
Contact Email
purwarno@sastra.uisu.ac.id
Phone
+6261-7869911
Journal Mail Official
journal_language@sastra.uisu.ac.id
Editorial Address
Fakultas Sastra UISU Jln. SM. Raja Teladan Medan 20217 Indonesia
Location
Kota medan,
Sumatera utara
INDONESIA
JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE
ISSN : 26559080     EISSN : 26858878     DOI : https://doi.org/10.30743/
Journal of Language (JoL) is an open access and a peer reviewed scientific journal covering research reports in linguistics, literature or language teaching, and critical evaluations of books on the related areas published by Faculty of Literature, Islamic University of North Sumatra (UISU), Medan, Indonesia. The main objective of JoL is to provide a platform for scholars, academicians and researchers to share the contemporary thoughts mainly in the fields of language, literature, and language teaching. This journal is published twice a year in May and November.
Articles 210 Documents
REPRESENTATION OF VIOLENCE IN LEILA S. CHUDORI’S LAUT BERCERITA Sri Ramadhana Gultom; Zulfan Sahri
JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE Vol 7, No 1: May 2025
Publisher : Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.30743/jol.v7i1.11043

Abstract

This study explores the representation of violence in Leila S. Chudori’s novel Laut Bercerita through the theoretical lens of Johan Galtung’s typology of violence—direct, structural, and cultural. Employing a descriptive qualitative method, the research examines how acts of violence are constructed and conveyed through the narrative strategies and language choices of the novel. Findings reveal that violence is not only experienced by the protagonist, Biru Laut, but also by a wider circle of student activists, portraying a collective trauma rooted in Indonesia's New Order regime. The novel encapsulates various forms of violence: physical torture, psychological torment, and functional oppression—all of which are embedded in both the characters' lived experiences and the oppressive sociopolitical systems that surround them. Chudori’s work serves as a literary vehicle to represent silenced histories and resist institutionalized injustice. This research underscores how literature can function as a medium of historical testimony and cultural critique, contributing to the broader discourse on human rights and collective memory. The findings also reinforce Galtung’s theory, affirming its relevance in analyzing representations of systemic and symbolic violence in post-authoritarian literary texts.
SYMBOLIC CONSTRUCTS AND THEMATIC DEPTH IN ANTOINE DE SAINT-EXUPÉRY’S THE LITTLE PRINCE Nurul Hasanah; M Manugeren
JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE Vol 7, No 1: May 2025
Publisher : Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.30743/jol.v7i1.11193

Abstract

This study explores the symbolic constructs and thematic intricacies in Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince, with a particular focus on the novel’s most significant symbols and their interpretive depth. Recognizing that literary symbolism often transcends literal meaning, the research aims to analyze how specific symbols in the novel function not only as narrative devices but also as representations of broader philosophical and emotional themes. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, the study contrasts the denotative meanings of selected symbols with their connotative and symbolic significance, using direct textual evidence from the novel. The analysis reveals that The Little Prince is rich in symbolic imagery—such as the fox, the rose, the baobab tree, the desert, and the stars—all of which serve as allegorical elements reflecting themes of love, loss, connection, responsibility, and existential insight. Ultimately, the study demonstrates that these symbolic elements contribute to the novel’s enduring emotional resonance and its philosophical depth, inviting readers to engage with its meaning on multiple interpretive levels.
CHALLENGING PATRIARCHY: LIBERAL FEMINISM IN MULAN (2020) Debby Melviana Hasibuan; Purwarno Purwarno
JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE Vol 7, No 1: May 2025
Publisher : Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.30743/jol.v7i1.10781

Abstract

This study examines gender equality through the lens of liberal feminism in the film Mulan (2020), addressing a significant research gap in existing feminist analyses of the film. While previous studies have examined Mulan's character from various perspectives, this research focuses specifically on how her character development and actions reflect liberal feminist principles, offering a fresh perspective on her challenge to patriarchal norms. Data was collected and analyzed using qualitative textual analysis, which involves a close examination of key dialogues, character interactions, and narrative choices within the film. This method allows for a deeper understanding of how Mulan's journey embodies the ideals of liberal feminism, particularly in its defiance of traditional gender roles and its advocacy of individual agency. This study argues that the character of Mulan represents a meaningful redefinition of female agency through liberal feminist ideals. By portraying a strong female protagonist who challenges societal expectations, the film reinforces feminist discourse and highlights the evolving representation of female empowerment in contemporary cinema.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN COLLEEN HOOVER’S IT ENDS WITH US Sofia Sahana Sitorus; Andang Suhendi
JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE Vol 7, No 1: May 2025
Publisher : Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.30743/jol.v7i1.11048

Abstract

This research examines the portrayal of domestic violence in Colleen Hoover’s novel It Ends with Us, focusing on the experiences of the protagonist, Lily Bloom, who endures various forms of abuse both in her childhood and adulthood. The study identifies four major categories of domestic violence depicted in the narrative—physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual—by employing Tulangow’s theoretical framework on domestic violence. Conducted through a qualitative descriptive method as outlined by Creswell (2012), this study analyzes textual evidence drawn from the novel to understand the psychological, emotional, and social consequences of abuse on the main character. The findings reveal that domestic violence in the novel not only results in physical injuries but also generates long-lasting psychological trauma, fear, anxiety, and diminished self-worth. Furthermore, the narrative exposes the cyclical nature of abuse and its intergenerational impact, especially through Lily’s reflections on her childhood and her concerns about her unborn child. This study demonstrates how literary fiction can serve as a powerful vehicle for raising public awareness of gender-based violence, offering insight into the lived realities of survivors, and prompting critical reflection on emotional resilience, agency, and social intervention.
ROMANTIC ELEMENTS IN JOHN KEATS’ POEM ODE TO A NIGHTINGALE Nur Isni Rizky; M Manugeren
JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE Vol 7, No 1: May 2025
Publisher : Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.30743/jol.v7i1.11195

Abstract

Ode to a Nightingale, composed in the spring of 1819, is widely regarded as one of John Keats' most profound poetic achievements. Inspired by the spontaneous experience of hearing a nightingale's song, the poem presents a speaker who, while immersed in an imagined forest, engages in deep reflection on the themes of beauty, mortality, temporality, nature, and human suffering. The nightingale functions not merely as a bird, but as a symbol of transcendent beauty and imaginative escape from the harsh realities of life. This study examines the Romantic elements embedded in the poem—namely Nature, Supernaturalism, Contemplation, Beauty, and Love—by employing an intrinsic literary approach as formulated by Wellek and Warren. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative method, as outlined by Creswell, this research focuses on textual analysis to uncover how these Romantic features are interwoven into the fabric of the poem. The findings underscore how Ode to a Nightingale not only exemplifies Romantic ideals but also reflects broader social and existential concerns, affirming literature's role as a mirror of human experience.
RADICAL AND LIBERAL FEMINISM IN ALICE WALKER’S THE COLOR PURPLE: AN INTERSECTIONAL AND SOCIOLOGICAL INQUIRY Derliana Hasibuan; Efendi Barus; Purwanto Siwi; Nuzwaty Nuzwaty
JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE Vol 7, No 1: May 2025
Publisher : Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.30743/jol.v7i1.10918

Abstract

This study explores feminist themes in Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, with a particular focus on the character of Celie as a symbol of resistance and empowerment. It aims to identify and analyze various forms of feminism represented in the novel, emphasizing how Celie challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations. Employing a sociological approach to literature and drawing on feminist theories—specifically liberal and radical feminism—the research traces Celie’s transformative journey toward self-liberation. The findings reveal that Celie embodies both liberal and radical feminist ideals through her rejection of patriarchal authority and her pursuit of personal autonomy and gender equality. Her evolution—from a silenced and oppressed figure to a self-reliant provider and assertive individual—demonstrates themes of self-determination and resistance to gender norms. Celie’s portrayal as a resilient and resourceful woman, often exhibiting traits culturally coded as masculine, serves to critique gender stereotypes and advocate for a broader understanding of strength and leadership. Ultimately, The Color Purple stands as a powerful narrative that interrogates gender boundaries, promotes feminist discourse, and underscores the potential of individual agency to inspire social change. This qualitative study analyzes the original English version of the novel as its primary data source, with data—comprising words, dialogues, and key passages—collected through close reading and systematic note-taking. The analysis, grounded in the sociology of literature, identifies and interprets feminist elements to achieve the study’s objectives.
EXPLORING THE PROTAGONIST’S SUFFERING IN DENNIS BOCK’S THE ASH GARDEN Tristi Ananda; Muhammad Fatih Suhadi
JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE Vol 7, No 1: May 2025
Publisher : Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.30743/jol.v7i1.11073

Abstract

This research explores the multidimensional suffering of the protagonist, Emiko Amai, in Dennis Bock’s novel The Ash Garden, using Quilao’s theoretical framework on human suffering. Through a descriptive qualitative approach, the study identifies five types of suffering—physical, psychological, social, existential, and ethical—as reflected in Emiko’s experiences before, during, and after the Hiroshima bombing. The analysis highlights how Emiko, as a war survivor, embodies the traumatic effects of violence, displacement, and physical disfigurement. Her journey reveals not only the pain and isolation endured in the aftermath of war but also the gradual process of resilience and self-redefinition. Emiko’s coping strategies—both physical and psychological—demonstrate how human beings attempt to restore meaning and identity in the face of profound loss. By situating her suffering within a literary and humanistic context, this study contributes to the discourse on trauma narratives and deepens the understanding of war-induced suffering in postmodern literature.
DEVELOPMENT OF ENGLISH READING MATERIALS TO IMPROVE READING COMPREHENSION FOR GRADE ELEVEN STUDENTS AT SMAN 2 RANTAU SELATAN Fatimah Siregar; Rizki Lestari; Muhammad Rusli
JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE Vol 7, No 1: May 2025
Publisher : Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.30743/jol.v7i1.11229

Abstract

This study aimed to develop effective English reading materials to enhance the reading comprehension skills of Grade XI students at SMAN 2 Rantau Selatan. Using the ADDIE model—comprising the stages of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation—the research employed classroom observation, interviews, expert validation, and pretest-posttest evaluations. Findings from the initial analysis indicated that students struggled to understand reading texts due to the lack of contextual relevance, unattractive content, and materials that did not match their interests or proficiency levels. The newly developed materials, focused on narrative texts and enriched with visual and culturally relevant elements, underwent validation by subject matter and media experts, resulting in validity scores of 90% and 85%, respectively. Effectiveness testing revealed a substantial improvement in student performance, with the average score rising from 58 (pretest) to 84 (posttest), and 93% of students achieving mastery. These results suggest that the developed materials are both valid and effective for use in senior high school English instruction.
LIFE STRUGGLE OF THE PROTAGONIST IN NARA LAHMUSI’S NOVEL A SKY FULL OF STARS Suci Mulia Dewi; Sri Wulan
JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE Vol 7, No 1: May 2025
Publisher : Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.30743/jol.v7i1.11023

Abstract

This study investigates the life struggles experienced by the protagonist in A Sky Full of Stars by Nara Lahmusi, focusing on her journey toward achieving personal dreams while simultaneously addressing familial obligations. The research aims to analyze the internal and external factors that shape the protagonist's hardships. Internal factors include her perfectionism, strong sense of self-priority, and inner ambition, which drive her personal goals but also contribute to emotional and psychological pressure. In contrast, external factors such as economic limitations and societal expectations impose constraints that complicate her efforts. By examining the interaction between these two dimensions, the study reveals how the protagonist's development is influenced by the dynamic tension between individual aspiration and external reality. The findings suggest that the complexity of her struggle lies in the convergence of personal desires and external demands, which not only affects her decisions but also frames the broader thematic structure of resilience and self-determination in the novel.
ADDRESS SYSTEMS AND POLITENESS STRATEGIES IN BATU BARA MALAY SOCIAL INTERACTION Doni Efrizah; Clara Puspita; Nurbaiti Ali
JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE Vol 7, No 1: May 2025
Publisher : Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.30743/jol.v7i1.11156

Abstract

Language is more than a communication tool; it embodies cultural identity, social hierarchy, and shared values. In the Batu Bara Malay community, address systems function as structured linguistic expressions of age, rank, kinship, and familiarity, with respect and politeness being integral to interpersonal interactions—especially in addressing elders or individuals of higher status. However, the advent of globalization and social media has introduced new modes of communication among the younger generation, creating tension between traditional norms and emerging language practices. This study investigates the address systems and politeness strategies in the Batu Bara Malay community, focusing on how these are used and transformed in social interaction. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach and linguistic ethnography, data were gathered through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation involving native speakers across varying ages and social strata. The findings highlight the complex variety of address terms and politeness strategies that reflect deep-rooted cultural values and social order. Despite generational shifts, the community continues to uphold linguistic traditions as a means of preserving cultural identity and maintaining social cohesion.