REVOLUTIONISING ESL LEARNING THROUGH THE NUSANTARA INDIGENOUS FOLKTALES FRAMEWORK: A COLLABORATIVE EDU-TALE APPROACH FOR PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE

Abstract

The integration of indigenous folktales into English as a Second Language (ESL) education has emerged as an innovative approach to enhancing language learning while preserving cultural heritage. This study explores the Nusantara Indigenous Folktales Framework (NIFF), which employs the Edu-Tale Approach to foster motivation, engagement, and linguistic proficiency among ESL learners. Grounded in Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory and Krashen’s Input Hypothesis, the framework leverages culturally relevant storytelling, interactive activities, and digital tools to create an immersive learning experience. A qualitative research design was employed, incorporating student feedback, educator evaluations, and parental perspectives to assess the impact of folktale-based learning. Findings indicate that 70% of students reported increased motivation, while 75% found learning more enjoyable when indigenous folktales were integrated into ESL instruction. Additionally, educators (60%) and parents (50%) acknowledged the effectiveness of the framework in enhancing engagement and language retention. The study further demonstrates that folktales serve as cultural bridges, fostering intercultural awareness and identity reinforcement among learners. The results suggest that integrating indigenous narratives into ESL curricula improves vocabulary acquisition, reading comprehension, and cultural appreciation. The study highlights the potential of NIFF to decolonize language education, ensuring that ESL learners view English acquisition as an extension rather than a departure from their heritage. Furthermore, the study underscores the long-term role of folktales in preserving intangible cultural heritage through formal education. Future research should explore longitudinal studies on language retention, the role of AI-enhanced digital storytelling, and cross-cultural applications of indigenous folktale integration. The study concludes that the Nusantara Indigenous Folktales Framework is an effective pedagogical model, bridging language learning and cultural preservation while fostering an engaging, student-centered learning environment.