BEYOND RELIGIOUS MOTIVATION: SOUTHEAST ASIAN STUDENTS’ ARABIC LEARNING EXPERIENCES IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

Authors

  • Ahmad Maghfurin Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang
  • Achmad Yani Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University, Brunei Darussalam
  • Nasikhin Nasikhin Walisongo State Islamic University Semarang, Indonesia
  • Naifah Naifah Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang, Indonesia
  • Nugroho Eko Atmanto National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jakarta Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22452/jati.vol30no2.9

Keywords:

motivation, learning goals, learning strategies, international students, Arabic

Abstract

This study aims to examine the motivation of international students from Asia in choosing Brunei Darussalam as a destination for learning Arabic. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study design. Informants in this study include students from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines who are enrolled in Arabic language programs at Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University. The results show that Southeast Asian students choose Brunei for its high-quality education, conducive multicultural environment, socio-political stability, and strong Islamic influence. Despite the gap between initial expectations (such as educational modernisation and Western cultural influence) and the reality on the ground, most students were able to adapt and achieve their learning goals. This is supported by various effective strategies, such as joining study groups, interacting with native speakers,  using digital resources, and participating in Arabic extracurricular activities. These strategies not only improve linguistic competence but also strengthen motivation and confidence. These results confirm that the combination of factors that encourage interest, local adaptation, and appropriate learning strategies makes Brunei an attractive and practical destination for Arabic language learning, while also contributing to the development of Arabic language education policy in ASEAN.

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Published

2025-12-31