Entering a new spring semester, the Master’s Program of Linguistics hosted an academic forum for its 2024 cohort on February 7^th, 2025. The event is mainly held to facilitate a thorough discussion on the study plan and course details following the start of the second semester. Before starting the main session, the head of the Master’s Program in Linguistics, Prof. Dr. Suhandano, M.A. expressed a warm welcome and opening remarks to lecturers and students. He mentioned that this gathering would not only provide academic insights for students but also a platform to discuss any suggestions for the future growth of the Master’s Program of Linguistics.

During this session, 15 questions are collected from students, concerning thesis topics, class administration and assignments, as well as research ethics. One of the 2024 cohort, Rafika, found that the discussion provides clear guidance for the student’s academic journey, “This event helps us navigate our second semester better, with an adequate explanation of each course and the study projection.”

The event continued with the inauguration of KALINGGA (Keluarga Linguistik Universitas Gadjah Mada) 2025. The newly elected chairperson, Reski Ramadhani S., emphasizes in her speech that Kalingga belongs to all students in the Linguistics program, not only to the members of the organization. It strives to pursue innovation and accommodates the aspirations of Linguistics students. The former chairperson of Kalingga 2024, Yuliana Kristianti, also expresses gratitude for the successful run of Kalingga 2024 and encourages the new Kalingga 2025 to joyfully embrace continuous learning and growth. The session further is concluded with motivational and encouraging messages from all lecturers to start the new term with fresh eagerness for learning. “Dedicate yourself to your studies and work, also remember to find joy in the process,” said Dr. Sailal Arimi, M.Hum.

The extended family of the Master of Linguistics extends its heartfelt condolence for the passing of our dear lecturer, Dr. H. M. Masruhi, M.Hum on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 in Kediri, East Java. We pray that his good deeds will be rewarded and may God grant his family strength and courage during this difficult time.

Dedicated preparations and the completion of three-day FIBAA accreditation events have finally resulted in a positive outcome. The Master’s Program in Linguistics has been awarded by the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA) its Quality Seal on November 27, 2024, and the accreditation itself is valid until November 26, 2029.

The preparation started on June 13, 2024, when representatives of three study programs, notably the Master’s Program in Linguistics, Undergraduate Program in Philosophy, and Undergraduate Program in French Language and Literature, conducted an extensive coordination meeting. This initial preparation mainly discusses each program’s administration and valuable information for quality assessments of respective study programs.

The FIBAA international accreditation was further conducted within three consecutive assessment meetings. The first day involved extensive discussion on how the university responds to learning systems, including strategies, ranking, and research support. The dialog was also attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, as well as all vice deans, the Head of the Master’s Program in Linguistics, the Head of the Bachelor’s Program in French Language and Literature, and the Head of Bachelor’s Program in Philosophy.

The second and third day involves lecturers, students, alumni, and staff reviewing how the learning system is applied to the study programs and how each program adapts to the ever-evolving academic and societal shifts. The representation of FIBAA further conducted a thorough review of those activities and discussions on the third day and marked the end of the whole visitation.

External assessment by reputable organizations, such as FIBAA, is essential for our study program to maintain and ensure high-quality curriculum, facilities, and learning practices. Aside from aligning with the recognized standards, accreditation is our continuous effort to stay current with the academic and professional demands, providing adequate and relevant support for students’ learning outcomes.

On December 3, 2024, lecturers of the Master’s Program in Linguistics gathered in a meeting room at the University Club to evaluate the learning process and design the next curriculum for batch 2025. The lecturers sized up the material and learning processes implemented over the past year, including students’ assignments, credit requirements, and the thesis advising process. These educational components were analyzed to serve as the foundation for following curriculum design.

The main discussion in this meeting delved into the new regulation regarding Quality Assurance of Higher Education composed in Permendikbudristek No. 53 Year 2023. One of the learning components that is highlighted is the credit total. It is stated that––in Article 19––the students are required to complete a minimum of fifty-four credit hours and a maximum of seventy-two credit hours within three to four semesters. In response, this meeting was arranged to develop a revised curriculum aligned with the requirements. The lecturers proposed a new framework for the thesis process as part of the discussion.

“We are initiating a formal assessment at each stage of the process in order to meet the credit requirements,” explained Suhandano, the head of the Master’s program in Linguistics. The outcome of the meeting was a proposal to further review by the university, rather than a final decision. 

On Saturday, November 23, 2024, Kalingga held a council meeting. It took place at S.209, Soegondo building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The meeting brought up the theme of creating and understanding the function of the University Student Organization, in which the Master’s program in Linguistics Students batch 2024 and 2023 as well as Kalingga officials participated in the meeting. 

The discussion explored the Articles of Association and Bylaws. The participants were reviewed the articles including its paragraphs. After examining the laws thoroughly and closely by considering the purpose, structure, and membership of the organization, including the roles and responsibilities, decision-making process, and disciplinary actions, there were some changes made. The participants suggested to modify and remove the clauses regarding the membership of the organization, and the rules for choosing the chairperson. 

The meeting also became the medium to showcase the organization’s accomplishments in line with the action plan and work program. Each division presented its program, allowing the participant to ask questions and offering suggestions for the next government. The last agenda was deciding the next chairperson of the organization. 

A few weeks prior, four students from batch 2024 registered to participate in the contest. They were Reski Ramadhani S., Lalu Ahmad Rofi’, Romi Lamusa, and Rizki Dwiki Reza Usman. During the meeting, they were challenged to answer some questions from the participants and deliver their program for future governance. After a discussion, a vote was held to elect the next chairperson. 52 participants voted for the chairperson, resulting Reski Ramadhani S. winning the election. Below is the summary of the vote. 

Reski Ramadhani S.: 63.5%

Lalu Ahmad Rofi’: 19.2%

Romi Lamusa: 11.5% 

Rizki Dwiki Reza Usman: 5.8%

Kalingga organized a book launch and discussion on the latest essay anthology written by twenty-nine Kalingga’s members. It took place in Soegondo Auditorium, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada on Tuesday, November 28, 2024. The head of the Master’s Program in Linguistics, Prof. Dr. Suhandano, M.A. opened the discussion. The discussion invited Dr. Tri Mastoyo Jati Kesuma, M.Hum as the keynote speaker, Yuliana Kristianti as the representation of the writer, and Deni Ferdiansyah moderated the discussion. 

The essay was written by twenty-nine Kalingga members exploring contemporary linguistic issues, future challenges for linguists, notable figures in the field, and advancements in language learning. To begin the discussion, Yuliana Kristianti as the speaker, representing the writers, tried to find out why the women should not swear compared to the men. “Well, we have to look at the situation and context to fully understand how swear words are used by genders. In addition, some factors such as social economy, educational background, and social-religious norms might be involved in the reason why women do not swear a lot or they are constructed not to swear a lot,” explained Yuliana. 

The discussion reached its peak as Dr. Tri Mastoyo Jati Kesuma, M.Hum conveyed his response and ideas regarding the book. He expressed his appreciation to the students––the writers––who had transferred their concerns into such an interesting article. “It is good to see the students are able to sense the issue and wrote it,” he said. He also mentioned that such activities can enhance student’s ability to use their intuition in seeing the issues from different perspectives as well as to strengthen their ability to write.

“I hope that we will never grow tired of practicing. Keep the fire within us burning to create and produce other remarkable works,” Hurrotul inspired the audience.

The Master’s program in Linguistics is delighted and deeply grateful to welcome three esteemed professors to our academic program. They are Prof. Dr. Hendrokumoro, M.Hum., Prof. Dr. Sajarwa, M.Hum., and Prof. Dr. Suhandano, M.A., who are experts in linguistics and anthropological linguistics. We believe that their knowledge and dedication will undoubtedly enrich our program, inspire our students, and contribute to advancing research in the field of linguistics. 

“Congratulations to our respected lecturers, Prof. Hendro, Prof. Han, and Prof. Jarwa. They are the expert in their field and I am grateful to be their student and to be able to sit in a class listening to their lectures and be involved in the discussion with them,” Shela and Zalinda expressed their joyfulness. Shela asserted that they truly deserved the title since the experience and knowledge they shared always left her in awe and inspired her to delve deeper into the subject. 

“We do hope that Prof. Hendro, Prof. Han, and Prof. Jarwa may continue to create impactful knowledge and may always be beside us in digging the unseen––linguistically,” Shela added. Magister’s program in linguistics is excited to collaborate with our respected new professors and looks forward to discussing with them how to create impactful knowledge. “Stay healthy, Prof!” Zalinda cheered.

On Saturday, November 2, 2024, the second round of a thesis proposal seminar was held. Fifty linguistics students participated in the seminar. Unlike the previous round, the presentation started at eight in the morning and finished at one in the afternoon. On the other hand, technically it was similar to the previous seminar, the participants were given thirty minutes to present their topic and got feedback from the reviewer, not to mention the audience. 

Five rooms witnessed the discussion between the reviewer and the participants. The participants joined the room based on the student’s field of interest and the similarity of the research topics they are pursuing.  This time, Dr. Wiwik Retno Handayani, S.S., M.Hum., Dr. Arief Ma`nawi, S.S., M.Hum., Dr. Sailal Arimi, M.Hum., Prof. Dr. Hendrokumoro, M.Hum., Dr. Aprillia Firmonasari, S.S., M.Hum., Dr. Merry Andriani, S.S., M.L.C.S., Dr. Ni Gusti Ayu Roselani, M.A., Dr. Rio Rini Diah Moehkardi, M.A., Prof. Dr. Suhandano, M.A., Drs. Tatang Hariri, M.A., Ph.D., and Prof. Dr. I Dewa Putu Wijana, S.U., M.A. were the reviewers who read the proposal carefully to kindly suggested the students with valuable feedback.  

“Thank God everything went smoothly. I’d like to thank the reviewers for their constructive feedback and suggestions. It helped me to reshape and guide me to finish my research,” Zalfah, a translation student, gave her thoughts after participating in the seminar. In line with the Zalfah, Yuni, a sociolinguistic student, expressed that the discussion between the student and the reviewer contributed to making her research better through their insight and new perspectives. 

Zalfah and Yuni hoped that their research, not to mention the other students, would be conducted successfully, presenting a significant contribution and result academically and practically. “And I hope we will graduate in time, amin.” Zalfah’s wish ended the conversation.

Master’s Program in Linguistics, Universitas Gadjah Mada with other Master’s Program in Linguistics from Universitas Brawijaya, Universitas Diponegoro, Universitas Airlangga, and Universitas Jember gathered in Faculty of Cultural Studies, Universitas Brawijaya to hold a joint conference. The conference was held on October 15, 2024. The conference theme was Exploring the Roles and Impacts of Linguistics Studies in the Digital Era. Thirty-one students responded to the theme by bringing various issues to discuss in a panel session.

Tursina, a sociolinguistic student, and Alfina, a translation student, participated in the conference. In response to the theme, Tursina brought up the topic of how French media framed Islamophobia to be discussed, and Alfina initiated a conversation talking about transparency in translation and its implication for dynamic equivalence seen through a particular Netflix series.

“I was very happy to be able to be involved in the discussion. First of all, I got some significant feedback from the reviewers. I believe that it will strengthen my research analysis,” said Tursina. In line with Tursina, Alfina expressed that she was also glad to be involved in the panel discussions where she got an interesting quotation from her reviewer, which is “a translator is just a person who runs away from the reality, rather than saying the literal meaning of the particular utterance, they decide to say something else.” Tursina and Alfine also mentioned that seeing and listening to the presentation delivered by other participants from the Master’s Program in Linguistics, Universitas Gadjah Mada was inspiring and filled them with pride. 

It was not only the students involved in the conversation but also the lecturer. Dr. Sajarwa, M.Hum was one of the keynote speakers. He sparked the conversation by talking about Resistensi dan Negosiasi Identitas Islam: Penerjemahan Kata Budaya Bahasa Perancis dalam Bahasa Indonesia (The Resistance and Negotiation of Islamic Identity: Translating French Cultural Words into Indonesian). Zasqia, one of the participants, expressed that the keynote speakers enlightened her because of the various topics they brought which allowed her and other participants to look at the linguistic problems from different perspectives as well as gave them another option to conduct linguistic research. 

After the conference, it was expected that the discussion and the feedback they got from the reviewers and other participants may improve and enhance their writing and analysis skills. This collaboration also allowed the students to submit their research articles to the journal managed by each university or study program. 

Four students and two lecturers participated in the Critical Island Studies Consortium 2024 at De la Salle University, Manila, Philippines. They traveled all the way from Yogyakarta to Manila, presenting their critical ideas on the role of language in addressing ecological issues. The consortium took place on October 3rd and 4th, 2024.

Critical Island Studies Consortium 2024 brought a theme of the Political Lives of Islands, where scholars were challenged to respond to environmental transformation through an interdisciplinary lens, in particular humanities studies, to perform a practical and creative solution for life and sustainability. Six delegates from the Master’s Program in Linguistics, Universitas Gadjah Mada, brought their ideas in a paper to be presented in the parallel session of the conference. 

In detail, Munzila Adelawati and Muh. Asrul Baharuddin presented their paper discussing Ecolinguistic Analysis of Industry and Ecology of Island: A Case Study of Tin Mining in Bangka Belitung Island. Hurrotul Firdausiyah discussed linguistic landscape by presenting her paper entitled Remembering the Pearl of Java among the Trading Ports: A Linguistic Landscape Study in Bandar Grissee, Indonesia. Diana Sri Suryani examined how environmental policy is generated by the Indonesian Government, where she submitted a paper entitled Exploring Climate Change Metaphors on the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Website: An Ecolinguistics of Representations of Indonesia Government’s Environmental Policy. Furthermore, Dr. Aprillia Firmonasari, S.S., M.Hum., DEA presented her paper entitled Unveiling Cultural Depths: A Critical Ecolinguistic Exploration of Tahne Juguin and Jean-Denis Pendanx’s Comic “Mentawai” while Dr. Merry Andriani, S.S., M.L.C.S. analyzed environmental issues and carbon market in presidential campaign 2024 in Indonesia, where she put Contestation of Environmental Issues and Carbon Market Discourse in Presidential Electoral Campaigns 2024 in Indonesia as the title of her paper. 

Hurrotul expressed that she was very glad and blessed to participate in the Critical Island Studies 2024. “We, the participants, came from countries with similar environmental and cultural backgrounds. Listening to and engaging in the discussions provided valuable insights, along with opportunities for networking among scholars,” Hurrotul explained. When asked about the most interesting part of the discussion, Hurrotul mentioned that Asian cultures share common ideas—not only in social norms or cultural ideologies but also in small details that we might not have considered. “I never imagined that we have similar or even the same concept of another entity—a ghost. The differences are only in the names, but the form and structure are identical. For me, it shows that we face the same issues, and this type of meeting can be a medium to exchange ideas and knowledge to help solve our problems,” said Hurrotul.

The Critical Island Studies Consortium was initiated by Kritika Kultura, Ateneo de Manila University, and UNITAS, University of Santo Tomas in 2019 taking “Critical Island Studies: The Islandic Archipelago and Oceanic” as the theme. It reconvened post-pandemic in Jakarta in 2022, in which Universitas Kristen Indonesia (UKI) and Universitas Indonesia (UI) hosted the conference. Still in Indonesia, in 2023, it carried the theme “Island Commodities” and was held at Universitas Gadjah Mada in conjunction with Universitas Sanata Dharma’s Literary Studies Conference.