Surya Agung Wijaya. S891908022. “Bridging Formal and Informal Digital Learning of English through Spolsky’s Language Policy: A Case Study”. Thesis. Advisor I: Dr. Abdul Asib, M. Pd. Advisor II: Dr. Suparno, M. Pd. English Education Department, Graduate School, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta.

This study was grounded on interdisciplinary theories on Spolsky’s language policy (LP) and Benson’s formal and informal digital learning of English (FDLE and IDLE). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to bridge the discussion among LP, FDLE, and IDLE in the context of English as medium instruction (EMI). EMI previous studies were reported colliding among language management, beliefs, and practices.

Of sixteen students volunteering for FDLE in EMI in one of the Indonesian international class programs, seven students were selected and volunteered by considering inclusion and exclusion criterion of IDLE. The data were generated from document analysis, interviews, classroom observation, and photo-elicitation. Exploring qualitative analysis, the study reported three layers derived from theoretical backgrounds.

First, there were three underlying factors – micro-, meso-, and macro-level – of language management in FDLE and IDLE. Implicit and explicit policies intervened in language practices and shaped language beliefs where those policies can be borrowed and adapted in the lower levels of language management. Second, the impact of language beliefs on FDLE and IDLE showed that Bahasa Indonesia was believed to give more value rather than English because communications in English with other students are not authentic. On the other hand, having foreign friends give a positive attitude to English. Third, students were actively practiced using English in the written form, but they struggled to use it in spoken form.  

Because the requirement was far from the standard of EMI, Bahasa Indonesia has dominated the language practices. Therefore, this study proposed some solution extramural and extracurricular IDLE as additional supplementary for students to support FDLE language practices. Theoretical and praxis implications will also be discussed or considered.