The Implementation of Natural Semantic Metalanuage and Semantic Field in Language Teaching: A Case Study

Abstract

This study aimed at developing a model of learning Balinese vocabularies by implementing Natural Semantic Meta-language (NSM) and semantics field theory. This finding was expected to establish a natural atmosphere of Balinese learning based on semantics primes. Semantics primes development on the basis of semantic field can overcome abstractness meaning of certain words. To prove the truth of the theory construction, the researcher modified a research and development which refers to Borg and Gell models. Data were collected before and after the development of model with certain indicators: the rapid in understanding words meaning, skill in using the word in natural sentence structure, and students’ learning creativity. Significance was measured by using t-test formula for correlated samples. Based on statistical analysis, it was proved that the implementation of NSM and semantic field theory was very effective (significant) in learning Balinese vocabularies on students grade 1, 2, and 3. Effectiveness of learning was achieved because the materials adhering to the natural principle of language acquisition and the availability of direct meaning comparison between words were intuitively related. Direct comparison could overcome the cognitive limitations of students grade 1, 2, and 3 in primary school.