Exploring the Role of Neo-Humanism and Local Cultural Values in Digital English Language Learning for Elementary School Students

Authors

  • Ida Bagus Nyoman Mantra Universits Mahasaraswati Denpasar
  • I Made Suyasa Universitas Muhammadiyah Mataram
  • I Nyoman Adi Susrawan Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar
  • Ni Wayan Adi Priantini Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar
  • Ida Ayu Praba Iswari Dewi Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar
  • I Kadek Dian Satriawan Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37680/ssa.10444

Keywords:

neo-humanism, local culture, language learning

Abstract

The rapid development of digital technology into English language teaching has provided new means for interactive learning, but has also raised concerns about safeguarding learners' cultural identity and promoting all-round development. This research aims to investigate the impact of neo-humanistic teachings and local cultural values to the digital English language learning of primary school students. This research was conducted through a qualitative case study approach in public and private primary schools in Bali. The data were collected by semi-structured interviews, classroom observation and document study. The study revealed five main themes: (1) incorporating local culture into English education through traditional ceremonies, folklore, arts, and environmental contexts; (2) incorporating neo-humanistic values such as empathy, cooperation, respect, responsibility, and environmental awareness into classroom activities; (3) effective use of digital technologies; (4) students' holistic development  to enhance language confidence, creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and cultural identity; and (5) implementation challenges related to digital infrastructure, culturally relevant teaching resources, and teacher readiness. This research shows that the integration of neo-humanistic principles and local knowledge turns digital English language teaching into a full learning experience beyond the simple mastery of the language. The results have practical implications for educators, curriculum developers and policy makers interested in designing culturally responsive and technology-enhanced English language teaching in elementary education.

References

Ahmed, S. Y., & Pardaev, J. (2025). Foreign Language Anxiety and Intercultural Communication: Role of Cultural Intelligence and Linguistic Competence. Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 11(2), 326–341. https://doi.org/10.32601/ejal.11225

Akhir, N. M., Aziz, M. N., Nasrudin, N., Rusli, R., Amran, N. A., & Rahmat, N. H. (2026). The Influence Of Writing Motivation On Writing Anxiety. Quantum Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 7(2), 116–131. https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v7i2.1136

Amini, M., Qiufen, W., Amini, D., Ravindran, L., Lin, D. T. A., Ganapathy, M., & Singh, M. K. M. (2025). The significance of humanistic approach and moral development in English language classrooms. In Discover Education (Vol. 4, Number 1). Discover. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00691-4

Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2018). Research Methods in Education (Eight Edition). Routledge. www.routledge.com/cw/cohen

Godwin, R. (2013). Integrating intercultural competence into language learning through technology. Language Learning & Technology, 17(2), 1–11. http://llt.msu.edu/issues/june2013/emerging.pdfhttp://llt.msu.edu/issues/june2013/emerging.pdf

Gutiérrez-Santiuste, E., & Ritacco-Real, M. (2023). Intercultural communicative competence in higher education through telecollaboration: typology and development. Education and Information Technologies, 28(11), 13885–13912. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-11751-3

Hassan, S. (2025). Intercultural Dynamics in Higher Education: Navigating Institutional Cultural Hubs. Journal of International Students, 15(11), 185–200. https://doi.org/10.32674/8mdz7h78

Kumari, Dr. S. (2024). Humanism in Education: Fostering Student-Centered Learning Through Maslow’s and Rogers’ Theories. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 5(7), 2447–2452. https://doi.org/10.55248/gengpi.5.0724.1911

Liu, J., & Lee, J. S. (2025). Enhancing intercultural competence through self-efficacy, grit, and informal digital learning of English. ReCALL. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0958344025100414

Mantra, I. B. N., Maba, W., Wedasuwari, I. A. M., & Staupelyte, A. (2024). Empowering Students’ Language Competence And Cultural Awareness Through Communicative Approach. International Journal of Social Science, 4(4), 509–514. https://doi.org/10.53625/ijss.v4i4.9254

Mantra, I. B. N., Maba, W., & Widiastuti, I. A. M. S. (2025). Role of Sociolinguistics in Shaping Students’ Language Use in Multilingual Classrooms. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Approach Research and Science, 3(03), 926–935. https://doi.org/10.59653/ijmars.v3i03.1901

Mantula, F., Mpofu, A. C., Mpofu, F. Y., & Shava, G. N. (2024). Qualitative Research Approach in Higher Education: Application, Challenges and Opportunities. EAST AFRICAN JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SCIENCES, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.46606/eajess2024v05i01.0343

Rahmani, E. F., Afrimonika, Y., Jupitasari, M., & Caiping, Z. (2026). Predicting Metacognitive Engagement in EFL Writing: The Role of Technology Acceptance and Self-regulated Learning. Jurnal Pendidikan Progresif, 16(1), 658–674. https://doi.org/10.23960/jpp.v16i1.pp658-674

Saini, J., Kumar, M., Kumar, U., Ronin, R. S., & Vishwakarma, J. P. (2026). Impact of Socio-cultural Aspects and Their Role in Influencing Communication Abilities of Students. In SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology: Part F1138 (pp. 17–27). Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-97931-6_3

Soriya Enny, F., Mannan, M., & Maruf, T. I. (2025). The Impact of Globalization on Intercultural Communication and Education: A Qualitative Study Enny et al.: The Impact of Globalization on Intercultural Communication and Education: A Qualitative Study. In ABC Journal of Advanced Research (Vol. 14, Number 1).

Wardhani, N. K. S. K., Mahendradhani, G. A. A. R., & Putra, K. E. (2022). Cultivating elementary school students’ characters through Neo-Humanistic Education. Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences, 43(2), 323–328. https://doi.org/10.34044/j.kjss.2022.43.2.08

Widiastuti, I. A. M. S., Sawitri, N. L. P. D., Widhiasih, L. K. S., Maba, W., & Suartama, I. K. (2026). Exploring the roles of technology and self-regulated learning in enhancing students’ English competence. Journal of Education and E-Learning Research, 13(1), 150–156. https://doi.org/10.20448/jeelr.v13i1.8262

Yang, Y.-F. (2013). Exploring Students’ Language Awareness through Intercultural Communication in Computer-supported Collaborative Learning. In Educational Technology & Society (Vol. 16, Number 2).

Zabrodskaja, A., & Wang, J. (2025). Editorial: Intercultural communication and international students. In Frontiers in Communication (Vol. 10). Frontiers Media SA. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomm.2025.1729136

Downloads

Published

2026-07-26

How to Cite

Mantra, I. B. N., Suyasa, I. M., Susrawan, I. N. A., Priantini, N. W. A., Dewi, I. A. P. I., & Satriawan, I. K. D. (2026). Exploring the Role of Neo-Humanism and Local Cultural Values in Digital English Language Learning for Elementary School Students. Social Science Academic, 4(2), 47–60. https://doi.org/10.37680/ssa.10444

Issue

Section

Articles