Indonesian Polyglots: Lived Experiences of Adults Learning Languages Online and Beyond the Classroom

Authors

Noprival Noprival, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Harapan Ibu JambiFollow
Zainal Rafli, Universitas Negeri JakartaFollow
Nuruddin Nuruddin, Universitas Negeri JakartaFollow
Dustin De Felice, Michigan State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Learning languages independently can be more accessible in today’s online environment. Polyglots, who are speakers of more than three languages, take advantage of this online learning environment to learn even more languages in Indonesia. Using transcendental phenomenology, the researchers interviewed these adult learners on their lived experience with online platforms for learning languages not traditionally spoken or used in daily life in Indonesia. Researchers found that the polyglots reported learning many foreign languages through interactive resources, receptive resources, social media, and authentic resources. Importantly, they held positive attitudes towards online learning platforms and their experiences left them with feelings of helpfulness, enjoyability, even bravery. In many cases, these polyglots often used freely available online resources to learn their foreign languages successfully. Implications include the idea that their language learner experience coupled with online opportunities can lead to successful language learning experiences.

Keywords

polyglots, languages, Indonesia, adult learner, transcendental phenomenology

Author Bio(s)

Dr. Noprival holds a doctoral degree in Applied Linguistics from Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Indonesia. His research interests are in the area of second language acquisition, multilingualism, and English for specific purposes. In this research article, he is as a corresponding author. Correspondence regarding this article can be addressed directly to: noprival@gmail.com.

Prof. Zainal Rafli is a full professor in the Department of Applied Linguistics, Universitas Negeri Jakarta (State University of Jakarta), Jakarta, Indonesia. His research interests include second language acquisition, psycholinguistics, and multilingualism.

Dr. Nuruddin is an associate professor in the Department of Applied Linguistics, Univeristas Negeri Jakarta (State University of Jakarta), Jakarta, Indonesia. He focuses on qualitative research in language education.

Dr. Dustin De Felice is the Director of the English Language Center at Michigan State University. As an Associate Professor coming up on his second decade on the job, Dustin has a passion for working with teachers, learners, and organizations in creating an environment of success. As a scholar, he has explored language teaching and learning through qualitative inquiries and he is particularly interested in technology as it relates to the development of materials and its use in traditional and virtual classrooms. His teaching has taken him around the US and Mexico and he regularly advocates for language learning at Michigan State University and beyond.

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by Sandwich-Like/PKPI program, The Indonesian Directorate General of Higher Education (DIKTI).

Publication Date

2-1-2021

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2021.4555

Recommended APA Citation

Noprival, N., Rafli, Z., Nuruddin, N., & De Felice, D. (2021). Indonesian Polyglots: Lived Experiences of Adults Learning Languages Online and Beyond the Classroom. The Qualitative Report, 26(2), 352-366. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2021.4555