Examining the Appropriateness of Betawi Folklore as Literacy Reading Materials for Elementary Schools

Authors

  • Syarif Hidayatullah Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. DR. Hamka, Indonesia
  • Cahya Komara University of Malaya, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33394/jollt.v13i2.14048

Keywords:

Folklore, Literacy reading, Reading materials, Literacy program, Teaching reading

Abstract

Betawi folklore holds great potential as both a didactic and creative medium. Integrating Betawi folklore into literacy reading materials for elementary school students can yield positive educational benefits. However, due to the diversity of Betawi folklore, teachers must carefully select appropriate stories and implement effective learning strategies to ensure educational objectives are met. This study examines the appropriateness of Betawi folklore as literacy reading material for elementary school students. Employing a qualitative research approach, it utilizes content analysis techniques to assess intrinsic literary elements—such as themes, plots, characters, and settings—based on children's literature principles and cognitive development theories, particularly Piaget's concrete operational stage. The primary data sources include Cerita Rakyat Betawi 1 and Cerita Rakyat Betawi  by Rahmat Ali. To validate the content analysis findings, teachers were asked to evaluate the suitability of Betawi folklore through a questionnaire. The results indicate that teachers must exercise careful selection, as not all Betawi folklore align with children's literature criteria and cognitive development stages. This study recommends strategies for adapting Betawi folklore to enhance its suitability for literacy activities in elementary schools.

Author Biographies

Syarif Hidayatullah, Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. DR. Hamka

Indonesian Language Education Lecturer, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. DR. Hamka, Indonesia 

Cahya Komara, University of Malaya

Department of English Language, Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, Universiti Malaya

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Published

2025-04-19

How to Cite

Hidayatullah, S., & Komara, C. (2025). Examining the Appropriateness of Betawi Folklore as Literacy Reading Materials for Elementary Schools. Journal of Languages and Language Teaching, 13(2), 824–836. https://doi.org/10.33394/jollt.v13i2.14048

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 2 (2025)

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