Literasi Bahasa Siswa Dalam Menggunakan Bahasa Baku Dan Tidak Baku Pada Komunikasi Digital

Abstract

The development of digital technology has changed students’ communication patterns, particularly through messaging applications such as WhatsApp. In digital communication, students may use informal language, abbreviations, slang, and written forms that do not always follow standard Indonesian conventions. The use of nonstandard language does not necessarily indicate low language proficiency; however, students need to understand the differences between language varieties and select appropriate forms according to the communication context. This study aims to describe students’ language literacy in understanding and distinguishing standard and nonstandard Indonesian in digital communication, including their understanding of the contexts in which these varieties are used. This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach. It was conducted at SMP Negeri 2 Botomuzei on September 28, 2026, involving 20 seventh-grade students. Data were collected through oral interviews and a written test consisting of five questions based on two digital-message examples. Each correct answer received a score of 1, while each incorrect answer received a score of 0. The test summary recorded 70 correct answers out of 100 response opportunities, resulting in a correct-response percentage of 70%. Across the five questions, the percentage of correct answers ranged from 65% to 75%. Interview responses indicated that WhatsApp was a communication platform used by the students. The students described several reasons for using informal language, including habit, convenience, typing speed, and closeness to friends. The interviews also revealed difficulties in selecting standard words, distinguishing standard from nonstandard forms, and adapting language to different interlocutors. These findings highlight the importance of Indonesian language instruction that helps students understand language conventions while selecting appropriate language varieties according to the communication context.