Multicultural Coexistence: Students’ Perception of Arabic Culture and Learning in Islamic Boarding Schools

Abstract

This article explores students’ perceptions of Arabic cultural elements in teaching Arabic in Islamic boarding schools. Using a qualitative approach, this study investigates how students view the importance of Arabic cultural values in the learning process and its broader implications for multicultural understanding. Data was collected through interviews and questionnaires distributed to 35 respondents in 16 Islamic boarding schools in the East Java region. These findings reveal that students generally recognize the importance of incorporating elements of Arabic culture into the language learning process, as it helps in understanding the Arabic language and its cultural nuances. Some aspects of Arabic culture are considered by students to be an integral part of Islamic teachings, influencing distinctive practices in their clothing and physical appearance. Apart from this unique phenomenon, the students, who live in a multicultural society, choose to integrate their daily lives with other communities, foster harmony, and embrace the multicultural diversity that exists in Indonesia. This research provides valuable insights into the intersection of language learning, cultural values, and multicultural coexistence in the context of Islamic boarding school education.