The Application of Technology in Intercultural Language Learning: International Students Program at a University in Yogyakarta

Abstract

As a part of global movement and digitalized technology in this 21th century, massive interaction of different people from different cultural background becomes an integral system of life. Though English plays role as a global language for a number of years, learning other foreign languages in intercultural perspective is essential to overcome unnecessary intra-person and interpersonal conflicts when interacting with different people from variety of cultural backgrounds. However, intercultural language learning cannot be successful without utilization of technology. Hence, this study presents how the international students (BIPA Program) learn Indonesian language in intercultural perspective with application of technology. The study focuses on two research questions, first how do students apply technology to learn Indonesian language in intercultural perspective? Secondly, what is the importance of technology in intercultural language learning? This study involves seven international students from different countries; these students have been studying Indonesian language and culture for one year. They were selected purposively. The study used open ended questioners and interview as instruments of data collection. The data were qualitatively analyzed and the results show that students are successful in learning Indonesian language in intercultural perspective as result of utilization of technology. With technology, learners could move from ethnocentric stage to ethnos relativism stage in intercultural competence. However, most of the students apply technology in learning Indonesian language without reflecting to their own culture. Therefore, the results imply that technology plays a vital role in intercultural language learning. Moreover, the teachers and students may focus more on the application of technology to reflect learner`s culture and target language culture rather than relying only to target language`s culture. Applying technology to both cultures makes the intercultural language learning more effective.