Article
Enhancing Students’ Digital Literacy Skills through Sociolinguistic Studies of Kitābun Marqūm in Arabic Learning


This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright
The authors shall retain the copyright of their work but allow the Publisher to publish, copy, distribute, and convey the work.
License
Digital Technologies Research and Applications (DTRA) publishes accepted manuscripts under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). Authors who submit their papers for publication by DTRA agree to have the CC BY 4.0 license applied to their work, and that anyone is allowed to reuse the article or part of it free of charge for any purpose, including commercial use. As long as the author and original source are properly cited, anyone may copy, redistribute, reuse, and transform the content.
Received: 2 December 2025; Revised: 23 December 2025; Accepted: 15 January 2026; Published: 11 February 2026
This study examines the sociolinguistic approach based on Kitābun Marqūm developed in order to improve Arabic digital literacy among university students. Using an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, quantitative data related to learning gains were collected through a quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test control group design, which was then followed up with a qualitative inquiry in order to explain and contextualize the statistical findings. Quantitative results showed that the students who are taught using Kitābun Marqūm's sociolinguistic approach make significantly better gains in digital literacy than those learning through a non-sociolinguistic approach, as shown by t-test and N-Gain scores. Qualitative results demonstrate that the CAF (complexity, accuracy, fluency) gains were due to sociolinguistic awareness, use of digital Arabic texts, and contextualized meaning-making, and indicate limitations related to technology infrastructure and access. Instead of advocating a one-size-fits-all model, the study promotes a context-specific pedagogical approach referred to as Sociotechnical Arabic Literacy (SAL), which encourages sociotechnolinguistic and digital technology literacies and uses AI-supported solutions that aim not only at fostering an informed understanding and critical use of digital media in Arabic but also at promoting a broader sociopolitical awareness of the world. The findings add to the emerging discussion on sociotechnical aspects of language learning in digitally enhanced ecologies.
Keywords:
Digital Literacy Kitābun Marqūm Sociolinguistics Arabic Language LearningReferences
- Murray, M.C.; Pérez, J.; Fluker, J. Digital Literacy in the Core: The Emerging Higher Education Landscape. Issues Informing Sci. Inf. Technol. 2022, 19, 1–13.
- Martens, H.; Hobbs, R. How Media Literacy Supports Civic Engagement in a Digital Age. Atl. J. Commun. 2015, 23, 120–137.
- Anderson, T.D.; Ogruk-Maz, G.; Bell, T.J. Enhancing Digital Literacy in Higher Education: A Comprehensive Analysis of Digital Skill Development Among College Students. J. High Educ. Theory Pract. 2025, 25. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v25i3.7631
- Markhaichuk, M.; Panshin, I. The Impact of Digital Literacy on Labor Productivity in the Context of the Educational Environment Transformation. Eurasian J. Educ. Res. 2022, 97, 86–102.
- Irwandi; Bafadal, M.F.; Mahsup; et al. Enhancing Students’ Writing Skills through Project-Based Learning with Digital Media Integration: An Experimental Study. Forum Linguist. Stud. 2024, 6, 211–221.
- Nikou, S.; Reuver, M.D.; Kanafi, M.M. Workplace Literacy Skills—How Information and Digital Literacy Affect Adoption of Digital Technology. J. Doc. 2022, 78, 371–391.
- Godwin-Jones, R. Chasing the Butterfly Effect: Informal Language Learning Online as a Complex System. Lang. Learn. Technol. 2018, 22, 8–27.
- Rohmat, B.; Maulana, A.; Huda, M.M. The Role of Digital Literacy in Arabic Language Learning in the Era of Industrial Revolution 4.0. Manaj. Pendidik. Islam 2025, 8, 541–550.
- Hady, R.; Nasri, U.; Hajras, M.; et al. The Revolution of Arabic Language Learning: Integration of Digital Technology in 21st Century Education. J. Ilm. Profesi Pendidik. 2025, 10, 1593–1599.
- Murtadho, N. Digital Resources and Their Use in Arabic Language Classroom: A Mini-Narrative Review. In Proceedings of the International Seminar on Language, Education, and Culture (ISoLEC 2021), Online, 31 July–1 August 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.211212.045
- Al-Motrif, A.; Alharbi, A.; Khayat, D.; et al. Evaluating the Impact of Blended Learning on Arabic and English Proficiency: Insights from Saudi Fourth-Grade Teachers and Educational Experts. Sage Open 2025, 15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440251370807
- Abderrahmane, K.; Benchahda, F. The Effective Role of Digital Technology in Arabic Language Education. Ziglobitha 2024, 1, 257–272. DOI: https://doi.org/10.60632/ziglobitha.n012.19.vol.1.2024
- Samiya, R. Artificial Intelligence in Arabic Language Education: Current Applications, Challenges, and Future Perspectives. Stud. Educ. Sci. 2025, 6, e21277.
- Wan Daud, A.A.W.; Abdul Ghani, M.T.; Rahman, A.A.; et al. Exploring the Challenges and Strategies of Learning Arabic Language among Primary School Teachers. Forum Linguist. Stud. 2025, 7, 94–103. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i2.8002
- Al-Hoorie, A.H.; Mitchell, C.; Elyas, T. Language Education in Saudi Arabia: Integrating Technology in the Classroom; Springer Nature Switzerland: Cham, Switzerland, 2025.
- Alfulana, M.W.; Hanifah, U.; Sulaiman, A.B.A.b. The Urgency of Digital Technology Transformation in the Arabic Language Education: Media and Learning Strategies. al Mahāra J. Pendidik Bhs Arab 2025, 11, 69–82.
- Antoun, W.; Baly, F.; Hajj, H. Araelectra: Pre-Training Text Discriminators for Arabic Language Understanding. arXiv preprint 2020, arXiv:2012.15516. DOI: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2012.15516
- El Haimeur, A. The Impact of Inquiry-Based Teaching on Foreign Language Acquisition: A Case Study of Arabic. J. Educ. Pract. 2024, 15, 100–108. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7176/JEP/15-13-10
- Busa, J.; Chung, S.-J. The Effects of Teacher-Centered and Student-Centered Approaches in TOEIC Reading Instruction. Educ. Sci. 2024, 14, 181.
- Nasarudin, N. Implementation of an Outcome-Based Curriculum for Arabic Language Learning in Islamic Universities Mataram in Indonesia; Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University of Jakarta: Jakarta, Indonesia, 2018. (in Indonesian)
- Nasarudin, N.; Nurjannah, N.; Muhirdan, M.; et al. Model of Arabic Language Learning Management in Child-Friendly Schools for the Development of Character Education in the Independent Curriculum. J. Al Bayan 2024, 16. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.24042/albayan.v16i2.24164
- Alnosairee, A.; Sartini, N.W. A Sociolinguistics Study in Arabic Dialects. Prasasti J. Linguist. 2021, 6, 1.
- Sandow, R.J.; Braber, N. Sociolinguistic Approaches to Lexical Variation in English; Routledge: New York, NY, USA, 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003510581
- Nasarudin. A Sociolinguistic Study of the Kitābun Marqūm and Its Implications for Arabic Digital Literacy; Universitas Muhammadiyah Mataram: Mataram, Indonesia, 2025. (in Indonesian)
- Taguchi, N. Pragmatic Development as a Dynamic, Complex Process: General Patterns and Case Histories. Mod. Lang. J. 2011, 95, 605–627.
- Gunarti, T.T.; Ahmadi, M. The Concept of the Word الْماء in the Quran: A Semantic Approach by Thosihiko Izutsu. Al Furqan J. Ilmu Al Quran dan Tafsir 2023, 6, 150–161. (in Indonesian)
- Androutsopoulos, J. Networked Multilingualism: Some Language Practices on Facebook and Their Implications. Int. J. Biling. 2015, 19, 185–205.
- Ouali, M.; Benaouira, A. Teaching Arabic in Light of the Competency Approach and Methods of Teaching. Ijaz Arab J. Arab Learn. 2022, 5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18860/ijazarabi.v5i3.17241 (in Arabic)
- Ulfah, M. Interpretation of Kitābun Marqūm in Tafsir Salman: Scientific Interpretation of Juz ‘Amma. Contemp. Quran 2021, 1. (in Indonesian)
- PWMU. Literacy and Numeracy, Latest Tafsir of Kitābun Marqūm. Available online: https://pwmu.co/literasi-dan-numerasi-tafsir-terkini-kitabum-marqum/ (accessed on 30 October 2025). (in Indonesian)
- Ritonga, M.; Mudinillah, A.; Wasehudin, W.; et al. The Effect of Technology on Arabic Language Learning in Higher Education. J. Educ. Learn. 2024, 18, 116–127.
- Ummah, V.R. Integration of Digital Technology in Arabic Communication Learning: Psycholinguistic and Sociolinguistic Implications. At-Turost J. Islam Stud. 2024, 11, 1–23. (in Indonesian)
- Faiqoh, P.K.; Gadoum, H.; Baity, A.N. Digital Media and Technology in Arabic Language Learning. J. Arab Lang. Teach 2025, 5, 121–132.
- Sulong, W.M.W.; Ghazali, R.M. Using Hadith Corpus in Learning Arabic as a Second Language. Turkish J. Comput. Math. Educ. 2021, 12, 5126–5133.
- Razilu, Z.; Asyari, S.; Johansz, D.; et al. Introduction to Educational Science: Theory and Practice in the Context of Learning; GET Press: Padang, Indonesia, 2023. (in Indonesian)
- Creswell, J.W.; Clark, V.L.P. Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research; Sage: Thousand Oaks, CA, USA, 2011.
- Creswell, J.W. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches; Sage Publication Inc.: London, UK, 2014.
- Greene, J.C. Mixed Methods in Social Inquiry; Wiley: New York, NY, USA, 2007.
- Riazi, A.M.; Candlin, C.N. Mixed-Methods Research in Language Teaching and Learning: Opportunities, Issues and Challenges. Lang. Teach. 2014, 47, 135–173.
- Fagerland, M.W. t-Tests, Non-Parametric Tests, and Large Studies—A Paradox of Statistical Practice? BMC Med. Res. Methodol. 2012, 12, 78.
- Lumley, T.; Diehr, P.; Emerson, S.; et al. The Importance of the Normality Assumption in Large Public Health Data Sets. Annu. Rev. Public Health 2002, 23, 151–169.
- Alayba, A.M. Arabic Natural Language Processing (NLP): A Comprehensive Review of Challenges, Techniques, and Emerging Trends. Computers 2025, 14, 497.
- Kline, T.M. Sociolinguistic Perception of Lexical and Syntactic Variation among Persian-English Bilinguals. Proc. Linguist. Soc. Am. 2023, 8, 5515.
- Saputra, I.K.A. Application of Sociolinguistic Approach in Language Learning in Secondary Schools. J. Arab. Lang. Teach. 2025, 1, 37–43. (in Indonesian)
- Vodă, A.I.; Cautisanu, C.; Grădinaru, C.; et al. Exploring Digital Literacy Skills in Social Sciences and Humanities Students. Sustainability 2022, 14, 2483.
- Littrell-Baez, M.K.; Friend, A.; Caccamise, D.; et al. Using Retrieval Practice and Metacognitive Skills to Improve Content Learning. J. Adolesc. Adult Lit. 2015, 58, 682–689.
- Teräs, M. Education and Technology: Key Issues and Debates. Int. Rev. Educ. 2022, 68, 635–636.
- Azizah, A.N.; Nuria, F.B.K.; Muzhaffarah, N.S.; et al. Implementing Child-Friendly Schools to Create Anti-Violent Behavior. J. Penelit. Kebijak. Pendidik. 2024, 16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24832/jpkp.v16i2.801 (in Indonesian)
- Oliveira, M.; Frieda, M. Jan Blommaert’s Sociolinguistics of Digital Culture. Available online: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/396975200_Jan_Blommaert%27s_Sociolinguistics_of_Digital_Culture (accessed on 30 October 2025).
- Street, B.; Leung, C. Sociolinguistics, Language Teaching and New Literacy Studies. In Sociolinguistics and Language Education; Multilingual Matters: Bristol, UK, 2010; pp. 290–316.
- Eshet-Alkalai, Y. Thinking in the Digital Era: A Revised Model for Digital Literacy. Issues Informing Sci. Inf. Technol. 2012, 9, 267–276.
- Mitchell, R.; Myles, F.; Marsden, E. Sociocultural Perspectives on Second Language Learning. In Second Language Learning Theories; Routledge: London, UK, 2019; pp. 286–325.
- Godwin-Jones, R. The Evolving Roles of Language Teachers: Trained Coders, Local Researchers, Global Citizens. Lang. Learn. Technol. 2015, 19, 10–22.
- Jones, R.H.; Hafner, C.A. Understanding Digital Literacies: A Practical Introduction; Routledge: London, UK, 2012.
- Morgan, B.; Holmes, G.; Brundy, C.; et al. Methods in Adult Education; The Interstate Printers: Danville, IL, USA, 1960.
- Issa, Z.; Mwakapina, J.; Nyinondi, O. Implementation of English Language Competence–Based Curriculum in Tanzanian Secondary Schools: A Case Mtama District. Educ. J. 2024, 13, 211–221.
- Dörnyei, Z.; Ushioda, E. Teaching and Researching Motivation, 2nd ed.; Longman: London, UK, 2015.
- Butarbutar, R. Coastal Regions of Papua Students and Teachers’ Responses of Educational Challenges in Generative AI Era: A Case Study. Digit. Technol. Res. Appl. 2025, 4, 106–119.
- van Deursen, A.J.; van Dijk, J.A. The First-Level Digital Divide Shifts from Inequalities in Physical Access to Inequalities in Material Access. New Media Soc. 2019, 21, 354–375.
- Insani, H. Effective Strategies to Improve Language Skills in Shy Early Childhood through Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) Theory Approach. J. Pendidik. Anak Usia Dini 2024, 2, 14. (in Indonesian)
- Chalak, A.; Kassaian, Z. Motivation and Attitudes of Iranian Undergraduate EFL Students towards Learning English. GEMA Online J. Lang. Stud. 2010, 10, 37–56.
- Basilotta-Gómez-Pablos, V.; Matarranz, M.; Casado-Aranda, L.-A.; et al. Teachers’ Digital Competencies in Higher Education: A Systematic Literature Review. Int. J. Educ. Technol. High Educ. 2022, 19, 8.
- Marie-Sainte, S.L.; Alalyani, N.; Alotaibi, S.; et al. Arabic Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning-Based Systems. IEEE Access 2019, 7, 7011–7020.
- Kasneci, E.; Sessler, K.; Küchemann, S.; et al. ChatGPT for Good? On Opportunities and Challenges of Large Language Models for Education. Learn. Individ. Differ. 2023, 103, 102274. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2023.102274
- Atchley, P.; Pannell, H.; Wofford, K.; et al. Human and AI Collaboration in the Higher Education Environment: Opportunities and Concerns. Cogn. Res. Princ. Implic. 2024, 9, 20.
- Strzelecki, A. Students’ Acceptance of ChatGPT in Higher Education: An Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Innov. High Educ. 2024, 49, 223–245.
- Dwivedi, Y.K.; Kshetri, N.; Hughes, L.; et al. Opinion Paper: “So What if ChatGPT Wrote It?” Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Opportunities, Challenges and Implications of Generative Conversational AI for Research, Practice and Policy. Int. J. Inf. Manage. 2023, 71, 102642.
- Eckert, P. Three Waves of Variation Study: The Emergence of Meaning in the Study of Sociolinguistic Variation. Annu. Rev. Anthropol. 2012, 41, 87–100.

Download
