Students’ Perception on the Use of Acehnese Language for English Translation

This study aimed to investigate students’ perceptions of the importance of the Acehnese language (L1) in the English learning process and the uses of Acehnese language in English translation. Here, the researcher did not deeply explain the linguistic aspects in the Acehnese language but the research only focused on the participants’ responses toward the use of the first language in the learning process. The population in this research were English Education department students of the State Islamic University of Ar-Raniry. The sampling method used was purposive sampling, in which six participants for the structured interview were selected. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results showed that there were some participants who stated that the implementation of L1 in English learning process was important because the language had a function as the mother tongue. The Acehnese language also helped the educator to anticipate learners’ boredom during the learning process because it created a comfortable and secure atmosphere for the students. Moreover, the first language could give a direct sense of understanding. Due to the translation process, the use of the Acehnese language did not play a quite significant role. The first language assumed as an informal language which was only needed to be spoken by the Acehnese speaker and could not be as a measurement for achievement in translation. In regard to its influences, there were no significant impact of the Acehnese language to English translation because the language only assumed by the participant as a complementary language. The language also had several some advantages and disadvantages which described the use of the Acehnese language in English translation. These findings are expected to be input for the decision of English language subjects especially in English translation classes as the optional language for substituting Bahasa (national language) during the learning process so that the existence of the Acehnese language (L1) will be prevented. The researcher hoped that the thesis could be beneficiated for the future researchers who are interested in conducting research related to the Acehnese language.