The Schoolscape of SMAN 1 Semarang: Patterns of Language Use and Global Identity

Afan Makhrus Al Basit; Arif Suryo Priyatmojo

Authors

Afan Makhrus Al Basit Universitas Negeri Semarang
Arif Suryo Priyatmojo Universitas Negeri Semarang

Abstract

This study investigates the schoolscape of SMAN 1 Semarang to understand its language patterns and underlying representations. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through 151 photographic records of linguistic signs and an interview with the school's quality assurance officer. The findings reveal a predominantly bilingual environment, dominated by Indonesian-English signs (72 signs), followed by monolingual Indonesian (67 signs), while standalone English signs are extremely rare. The analysis indicates this landscape is primarily driven by top-down institutional policies (122 signs) rather than bottom-up initiatives from students and school organizations. Triangulated with the interview, the study concludes that English serves a symbolic, rather than purely pedagogical, function. It visually manifests the school’s global orientation, aligning with its international exchange program. Ultimately, the consistent pairing of English with Indonesian demonstrates a strategic institutional negotiation to project global prestige while complying with national language regulations and preserving local identity.

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