Abstract

Pesantren, as centers of Islamic religious education in Indonesia, have evolved their curriculum to include the English language alongside the traditional Arabic, reflecting its global significance. However, since the English language originates from the West, it carries distinct cultures and expressions. Moreover, some Muslims have labeled English as a non-Muslim language. Consequently, this study investigates how Santri perceives the English language, and how it influences their Islamic identity and values as Muslim learners at Pesantren. A quantitative approach was employed using a questionnaire divided into three categories of questions. The first category assesses Santri's reception towards the English language, the second investigates its influence on their Islamic identity, and the third examines its impact on their Islamic values as Muslim students. The study analyzed responses from 133 Santris representing 25 different Pesantren in Yogyakarta province. The process of analyzing the data was conducted using descriptive statistics and ANOVA tests through SPSS. The findings reveal a high level of acceptance of the English language among Santri at Pesantren in Yogyakarta, with an overall mean score of 1.68 (SD = 0.58). Additionally, despite the English language being associated with Western cultures and non-Muslim languages, the respondents firmly rejected the notion that it negatively affects their Islamic identity and values as Muslim learners. As a result, this study demonstrates that the English presence does not compromise the preservation of Islamic identity and values among Santri at Pesantren in Yogyakarta. Rather, it stands as a testament to their resilience and adaptability in the face of a dynamically changing world.

Keywords: Santri, English Language Influence, Islamic Identity, Islamic Values, Pesantren.