SUKOHARJO, Indonesia — Indonesian language learning does more than teach children how to read, write, and communicate effectively. It also plays an important role in shaping strong character among elementary school students. A study conducted by Siti Aminah, Farida Nugrahani, and Suwarto from Universitas Veteran Bangun Nusantara , Sukoharjo, and published in 2026, found that language lessons built around respectful and meaningful classroom communication help students develop politeness, empathy, confidence, cooperation, and respect for others. The findings, published in the International Journal of Applied Educational Research (IJAER), suggest that everyday language learning can become one of the most effective platforms for character education in schools.
Language Learning Goes Beyond Literacy
As education systems place increasing emphasis on character development alongside academic achievement, Indonesian language learning is gaining recognition as more than a literacy subject. Every classroom discussion, teacher instruction, and student interaction provides opportunities for children to learn important social values such as respect, empathy, responsibility, and cooperation.
The researchers explain that students do not develop these qualities only through formal character education lessons. Instead, they acquire them naturally through daily communication with teachers and classmates during Indonesian language learning activities.
How the Research Was Conducted
The study was carried out at SD Negeri 03 Malangjiwan in Karanganyar Regency, Central Java, during the first semester of the 2025/2026 academic year.
Using a qualitative approach, the researchers observed classroom interactions involving one fifth-grade Indonesian language teacher and 22 fifth-grade students. Classroom observations, interviews, recordings, and teaching documents were analyzed to understand how teacher–student communication influenced students' character development in authentic learning situations.
What the Researchers Found
The study found that Indonesian language learning contributes to character development when teachers consistently communicate with politeness, empathy, and encouragement.
Students gradually developed important character traits, including:
- Polite communication with teachers and classmates.
- Greater empathy toward peers.
- Respect for different opinions.
- Higher self-confidence when expressing ideas.
- Stronger teamwork and collaboration.
- Increased responsibility for learning activities.
- Patience during classroom discussions.
- Greater willingness to help classmates experiencing difficulties.
Rather than being taught through direct moral instruction, these values emerged through repeated exposure to respectful classroom communication. Students naturally imitated the language patterns modeled by their teacher and applied them during daily interactions.
Teachers Play a Central Role
The research highlights teachers as the driving force behind successful character education in language classrooms.
Instead of relying on commands or criticism, the observed teacher used polite requests, encouraging feedback, and supportive responses when students made mistakes. This communication style created a safe learning environment where students felt respected, became more willing to participate, and gradually adopted similar communication habits themselves.
According to Siti Aminah, Farida Nugrahani, and Suwarto from Universitas Veteran Bangun Nusantara, Indonesian language learning becomes more meaningful when classroom communication reflects politeness, empathy, and mutual respect. Their findings indicate that consistent exposure to respectful language helps students internalize positive values and strengthens character through everyday learning experiences.
Implications for Education
The findings suggest that schools do not need separate programs to strengthen character education. Instead, character development can be naturally integrated into Indonesian language learning through positive teacher–student interactions.
For teachers, the research emphasizes the importance of using respectful communication as both an instructional strategy and a model for students.
For curriculum developers and policymakers, the study provides evidence that language education can support Indonesia's broader educational goals by combining literacy development with social and emotional learning. As schools continue implementing the national Graduate Profile and Deep Learning approach, Indonesian language learning has the potential to become one of the most effective vehicles for building students' character alongside academic competence.
Author Profiles
Siti Aminah is a researcher from Universitas Veteran Bangun Nusantara, Sukoharjo, specializing in Indonesian language education, sociopragmatics, and character education in elementary schools.
Farida Nugrahani is a professor at Universitas Veteran Bangun Nusantara whose expertise includes qualitative research methodology, pragmatics, applied linguistics, literature education, and character education.
Suwarto is a lecturer and researcher at Universitas Veteran Bangun Nusantara with research interests in elementary education, curriculum development, learning innovation, and educational evaluation.
Source
Article Title: The Role of Sociopragmatics in Indonesian Language Learning for Shaping the Character of Elementary School Students
Authors: Siti Aminah, Farida Nugrahani, Suwarto
Journal: International Journal of Applied Educational Research (IJAER)
Publication Year: 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijaer.v4i3.8
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