Analysis of Arabic Phonological Errors in Javanese Speakers

Abstract

This study clearly explains the common barriers that often arise in pronouncing the Arabic alphabet or hijaiyah letters in Central Java. In addition to pronunciation, the author has conducted several experiments to overcome this issue and obtain seven alternative approaches that can be used to improve the pronunciation of letters (makharij al-huruf ). The authors' efforts in collecting data in the field for four years used a qualitative descriptive approach which aimed to provide an overview through words and explanations, especially for Arabic language teachers and Quran teachers, especially in the Central Java regions, about the circumstances in the field that will be encountered so that they can prepare themselves sufficiently. Data were obtained by observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation afterward processed using triangulation. The Romanization method in writing the Arabic alphabet in this study is obtained from several sources, which tables the author will attach in the introduction. The results of this study reveal several barriers that are often occurred in the region of Central Java in pronouncing the Arabic alphabet, including the pronunciation of the letter 'ayn [ ], which reads "ngain", the sound (voice) "u" becomes "o" as in the word "yauma" [ ] becomes "yaoma". It corresponds to the characteristics of letters such as the ithbaq letters. Barriers for adults in pronouncing the Arabic alphabet result from improper pronunciation habits from childhood to adulthood, so more effort is required to change it. In addition, the childhood period is the time for a sound adjustment from its characteristic: whether heavy, soft, flowing sound, stuck sound is also where the letters are produced. It is also included in this are the different pronunciations of similar letters, such as the different pronunciations of 'ayn-alif [ ], hā-hā [ ], dzāl-zā [ ]. This research was conducted in Central Java and several other regions in Indonesia with the expectation that the solutions obtained would solve current problems, especially those occurring in the research location. The results of this study may also be applied in other regions and even in other countries, certainly, with some adjustments.