Bridging Tradition and Modernity: English Language Instruction in Indonesian Pesantren for Global and Da’wah Purposes

Abstract

This literary study investigates the methods of teaching English employed in Islamic boarding schools, known as pesantren, in Indonesia. It examines traditional and modern approaches to English language instruction, drawing on data from previous studies in the field. This study used descriptive qualitative method with literature review approach. Data were collected by conducting a comprehensive searching on Google Scholar using keywords “ICT”, “English”, and “Pesantren”. There are 17 articles from national and international journals as data for this research. Articles were selected based on their focus on English language teaching in pesantren, incorporation of technology in language instruction, and discussions on traditional methods. Additionally, studies from the past ten years were prioritized to ensure the research reflects current trends in educational practices. The selected articles included both qualitative and quantitative research, providing a broad perspective on the topic. By comparing these methodologies, the research highlights their respective challenges and advantages, revealing that the primary purpose of English instruction in pesantren is aligned with da’wah (Islamic missionary work). The findings of this research suggest that while modern methods, often involving technology, are gaining traction, traditional approaches remain prevalent, each serving distinct educational, and cultural objectives within the context of Indonesian Islamic education.