TRANS-KATA: Journal of Language, Literature, Culture and Education

A Qualitative Linguistic Analysis of Hiligaynon Codeswitching Structure in Kidapawan City

Rowena Sosas, Marialou Quinding — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Ilonggo people in Kidapawan City, Philippines, code-switch for various social and practical reasons. However alive the Hiligaynon language is, there has not available a study on its codeswitching and its predominant structure. This qualitative research study employing linguistic analysis determined how codeswitching is structured and what dominant type of codeswitching is used in Hiligaynon language in Kidapawan City. The participants were Ilonggo individuals who are at least 18 years old and residing in Kidapawan City, Philippines. They were selected using Fishman’s (1972) five language domains of language use, which include school, home, church, market, and neighborhood. This study employed overt observation conducted in multiple sessions, with participants observed individually in their natural settings. The interactions ranged from formal to informal, depending on the context in which the observation took place. The study analyzed 50 instances of codeswitching, which were analyzed based on McArthur's (1998) codeswitching theory. The study found four structures of codeswitching in Hiligaynon: inter-sentential switching, where languages switch between sentences; intra-sentential switching, where languages mix within a sentence; intra-word switching, which happens within a single word; and tag switching, where a tag or interjection from one language is added to a sentence in another language. Results also revealed that Hiligaynon speakers predominantly use intra-sentential switching. Findings imply that Hiligaynon speakers are highly proficient in both their native and second languages, allowing them to switch between languages to adapt their speech for social acceptance and find precise words to facilitate conversations more effectively across multilingual contexts.

Analyzing Translation Errors in Japanese Language Education Students’ Thesis Abstracts using Waddington’s Method A

Ketut Gede Adi Putra Laksana, Sulis Triyono — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the translation quality of thesis abstracts written by students in the Japanese Language Education program at Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, Indonesia. This research uses using qualitative descriptive approach that uses Waddington’s (2001) Method A of Translation Quality Assessment to evaluate the accuracy of students’ Japanese translations of Indonesian abstracts. The dataset comprises 12 texts of bilingual abstracts analyzed using a single-rating analysis approach to identify types and severity of translation errors by using a data card. Ten error types were identified, with faux sense emerging as the most frequent and severe (−23), followed by style and grammatical errors (−15). These results indicate that students still struggle with expressing ideas naturally in Japanese and often fail to fully grasp the intended meaning of the source text. The findings suggest that while students demonstrate foundational skills in academic writing, additional training in translation strategies is necessary. Implications of this study suggest that the study has demonstrated the effectiveness of Waddington's A-Method as a practical diagnostic tool for assessing students' translation skills, providing evidence-based insights for improving teaching in translation practice. It also highlights the insights for improving teaching in translation practice and highlights the need to strengthen training in genre-specific academic writing and cross-cultural transfer. Future research is recommended to explore longitudinal research in academic translation development, integrate peer and AI-assisted feedback for translation assessment and evaluation, and compare with other quality assessment models to enhance learning outcomes in translation education.

Translation Techniques Analysis on The Story of Selera Nusantara Mobile Video Game

Muhamad Hardiyanto Kiyai Mardjo, Novriyanto Napu, Sri Widyarti Ali — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to analyze the translation techniques used in the English version of Selera Nusantara, a mobile video game developed by Gambir Game Studio that highlights Indonesia’s culinary and cultural richness. The research focuses on Season 1, Episode 1 of the game, which introduces the main narrative and characters. Using Anthony Pym’s (2018) typology of translation solutions as the analytical framework, this study identifies and categorizes the translation strategies applied in rendering the game’s dialogue and cultural references from Indonesian to English. The research employed a descriptive qualitative method, with data collected through documentation and content analysis of the game’s bilingual scripts. The findings revealed a total of 1,196 translation solutions, with Perspective Change being the most dominant (373 instances), followed by Cultural Correspondence (327) and Density Change (259). The subcategory Relocation of Culture-Specific Referents emerged as the most frequently used strategy within Cultural Correspondence. These results suggested that translators prioritized cultural adaptability and narrative clarity to make the game accessible to a global audience while preserving its Indonesian identity. The study contributed to translation studies by demonstrating the applicability of Pym’s typology to interactive digital content and highlighting the importance of translation in promoting local culture through global media like video games.

Modern Myth and Japanese Cultural Representation in Miyazaki’s Picture Book Spirited Away

Mutiara Safitri, Rahayu Puji Haryanti — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Modern myths remain highly relevant today as they are expressed through stories and symbols that shape cultural identity. Spirited Away is one such work, and while previous studies have examined it from the perspectives of culture, identity, hero’s journey, ecology, feminism, and postcolonialism, few have analyzed it specifically as a modern myth. To address this gap, this study applies Barthes’ semiotic theory to explore how the story constructs modern myths that reflect Japanese culture. The study aims to 1) identify representations of Japanese culture in Spirited Away; 2) analyze how modern myths are constructed using Barthes’ semiotic framework; and 3) explore the cultural implications of these myths in the story. Using a qualitative approach and Barthes’ semiotic framework, the research analyzes signs and symbols at both the denotative and connotative levels. Through this analysis, the findings show that cultural elements such as food, work, names, spirits, and love are transformed into modern myths that naturalize values of identity, togetherness, spirituality, and morality. Thus, Spirited Away not only reflects Japanese culture but also communicates ideological messages that influence how people perceive values and social life in Japan.

Students’ Behavioral Engagement and Overreliance on Grammarly Feedback: A Narrative Inquiry

Syarifah Nur Aminah, Aridah Aridah, Iwan Setiawan, Maria Teodora Ping — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Grammarly is a platform that enables automated feedback, such as paraphrasing, improving sentence structure, and grammar checking, to help students produce more accurate writing. Despite its usefulness, concerns exist about its potential to cause overreliance, especially among long-term users. However, limited research has examined how upper-intermediate students behaviorally engage with Grammarly. This study addresses the gap by exploring students’ behavioral engagement and examining whether it serves as a helpful tool or a source of overreliance. Using qualitative methods with a narrative inquiry design to collect responses, data were collected through in-depth interviews with three purposely selected participants who used Grammarly in the long term and were enrolled in an Advanced Writing class from Mulawarman University. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes by coding and comparing participants' narratives. This study found that students accepted feedback on clarity, grammar, and spelling, but often rejected unclear feedback. Their revision strategies involved several other platforms. Despite its benefits, students felt unsure about submitting their assignments without Grammarly checking, which indicates overreliance. This study highlights the need for students and educators to critically use Grammarly as a platform or a helpful tool to foster teaching effectiveness and the development of students' independent writing skills.

Figurative Language in Latung Lawang: Exploring Cultural Values in Birth, Marriage, and Death Ceremonies

Veronika Devina Neang, Nur Syamsiyah Ekhsan, Yanto — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study is driven by the need to preserve the oral heritage of the Sikka Krowe community, particularly Latung Lawang, a traditional chant rich in symbolic meanings and cultural values. The research aims to identify the types of figurative language in Latung Lawang, interpret its cultural meanings, and analyze the cultural values reflected in birth (Lodong Me), marriage (Wotik Wawi Dadi and Ro’a Mu’u), and death ceremonies. A qualitative descriptive method was applied, with data collected through in-depth interviews and documentation, then analyzed through reduction, display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that Latung Lawang employs various figurative devices, including metaphor, personification, symbolism, hyperbole, simile, and metonymy. These expressions reflect the Sikka Krowe worldview on human–nature–ancestor relationships and embody values such as freedom, respect, benevolence, achievement, conservatism, and tradition. The study concludes that Latung Lawang functions not only as a literary expression but also as a medium of moral education and cultural identity transmission across generations.