Language Center BINUS and the University of New South Wales (UNSW): An Introductory Indonesian Session

It is a warm afternoon at BINUS Senayan Campus, Jakarta when Ms. Devina from Language Center BINUS welcomes the students from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), 10 January 2020. The group consists of 23 enthusiastic learners and one lecturer. The session brings out the application of practical everyday Indonesian to be used daily, as the group would continue their journey to Bali and Yogyakarta. The session is started by telling the greetings, some cultural aspects about the way Indonesian greet each other and special phrases to be used. With a role-play activity, the group then is asked to practice their greetings as they introduce their name to each other. The name of the fruits, how to tell and ask “what is this or what is that” are introduced by also inviting learners to learn local market environment, as well as cultural values. The closing presents and involves playing Indonesian traditional instruments, angklung, portraying what Indonesian search for; peace and harmony. Admittedly, the session is a medium for culture and knowledge transfer to enrich and broaden experience.