Internationalizing Arabic Language Materials in Pesantren Education: An ACTFL-Based Evaluation of Durusullughah al Arabiyah

Mahdi Wahyuni Salam; Iswan  Fadlin; Tulus Musthofa

doi:10.23971/jallt.v4i2.535

Authors

Mahdi Wahyuni Salam Institut Agama Islam Negeri Takengon
Iswan Fadlin Institut Agama Islam Almuslim
Tulus Musthofa Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Kalijaga

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23971/jallt.v4i2.535

Keywords:

ACTFL proficiency standards, Arabic language textbooks, textbook evaluation, communicative competence, pesantren education

Abstract

Despite the growing importance of international proficiency standards in foreign language education, studies evaluating Arabic textbooks in pesantren contexts using the ACTFL framework remain scarce. This study examines the alignment of Durusullughah al Arabiyah, a textbook used at Pesantren Almuslim, with ACTFL proficiency standards across listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Employing a qualitative content analysis approach, the study analyzed communicative functions, proficiency levels, and pedagogical patterns embedded in the textbook using ACTFL descriptors. The findings reveal that the textbook largely corresponds to the ACTFL Novice Mid level, as reflected in its contextual vocabulary, simple dialogues, drill-based exercises, and communicative tasks related to learners’ daily experiences. The Direct Method employed in the textbook supports the gradual development of basic communicative competence through repetitive and contextualized language practice. However, instructional activities remain predominantly teacher-centered and rely heavily on controlled communication, providing limited opportunities for interpretive interaction and spontaneous language production. The study highlights the potential compatibility between pesantren-based Arabic language pedagogy and international proficiency frameworks. It contributes to the advancement of Arabic textbook evaluation grounded in global standards while extending ACTFL-related scholarship within the context of Islamic boarding school education.

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