By : Rahayu A. Hulamahe ; Supervised by : Muziatun, S.Pd, M.App. Ling, PhD
Research Backgrounds
The English language currently occupies a significant position as an international language, employed in a variety of contexts, including education, technology and global communication. For students pursuing a major in English, English language proficiency constitutes not only an academic prerequisite but also a valuable asset for professional contexts and cross-cultural social interactions. Consequently, the utilisation of English should not be confined to the classroom environment; rather, it should be consistently practised in external settings to refine skills.
However, in the reality of students' daily lives, the use of English outside the classroom remains relatively rare. It has been observed that a significant proportion of students tend to employ English exclusively in formal settings, such as presentations or academic assignments. However, they subsequently revert to using Indonesian in their daily interactions. Indeed, the utilisation of English in extra-curricular settings has been demonstrated to be a significant catalyst for enhancing students' fluency and confidence. This phenomenon demonstrates a discrepancy between the theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom setting and its practical application in real-world settings.
One factor that influences the low level of English language practice outside the classroom is peer influence. Peers have the capacity to exert a positive influence on one another, for example by providing support and encouragement to speak English. Nevertheless, the impact of peer pressure is frequently deleterious. The phenomenon of ridicule, or the stereotype of "Sok Inggris", has been identified as a significant factor that discourages students from using English outside the classroom environment. In lieu of experiencing motivation, students frequently encounter feelings of insecurity, apprehension regarding the potential attribution of ostentatious behaviour, and ultimately opt to utilise Indonesian in their quotidian social interactions.
Research on the relationship between language anxiety and motivation to learn English is extensive, but studies highlighting the relationship between peer support and pressure, as well as the phenomenon of "Sok Inggris" stereotypes, and the use of English by students outside the classroom are still rare. It is therefore vital to research the reality of English language use by English major students outside the classroom, as well as to analyse the extent to which support, pressure, and stereotypes from their peer environment influence their English language practices.
Problem Statement
The primary focus of this study is the manner in which English Department students utilise English outside the classroom setting, with a particular emphasis on the influence of social factors on this usage. Specifically, the present study seeks to explore the influence of peer pressure on English language proficiency among students, as well as the role that the stereotype of "Sok Inggris" plays in influencing their confidence or hesitation when using English in informal situations.
Research Objectives
This study aims to ascertain the frequency with which English Department students employ English outside of the classroom setting, to examine how peer influence affects their propensity to do so, and to comprehend the impact of the stereotype of "Sok Inggris" on their self-assurance.
Research Significance
