ENHANCING ENGLISH LITERACY IN INDONESIA:Â
CHALLENGES AND PATHWAYS
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By Leni Marlina, S.S., M.A.
English Department FBS Universitas Negeri Padang
Email: lenimarlina@fbs.unp.ac.id
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A. Introduction
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Indonesia, known for its rich linguistic diversity and increasing integration into the global community, grapples with significant challenges in fostering widespread English proficiency. The nation's linguistic tapestry, woven with a myriad of languages and dialects, presents a complex terrain for language education initiatives. Coupled with rapid globalization, this diversity underscores the importance of English as a lingua franca for communication, commerce, and cultural exchange.
The hurdles to achieving universal English literacy in Indonesia are multifaceted. Historical legacies, stemming from colonial influences and linguistic hierarchies, continue to shape language dynamics and education systems. Socio-economic factors further compound these challenges, with disparities in access to quality education, limited resources, and uneven distribution of opportunities hindering language development efforts. Additionally, the urban-rural divide exacerbates these issues, with urban centers often having better access to English education compared to rural areas.
