CHILDREN'S UNDERSTANDING OF ENGLISH VOCABULARY THROUGH VISUAL SEMIOTICS IN THE MUSIC VIDEO OPPOSITES WORD POWER BY PINKFONG YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Abstract

The lack of English language skills and understanding in Indonesian primary school children is caused by many factors such as, limited teachers, unfamiliarity, unsupportive environment, and various other things. This is a challenge for individuals to learn English and teachers as teachers. In addition to the seriousness of children in learning English, the accuracy of the teacher in choosing the learning methods given to children must also be appropriate. In the current era of digitalization, learning methods through YouTube videos can have an impact on children's knowledge and understanding of English if implemented properly. In this case, learning English can be obtained by listening to videos that apply visual semiotics in it. The application of visual semiotics can be applied in teaching English to children from a video. The form of application can be like in the music video [Opposites Word Power | PINKFONG Songs for Children]. In this music video, explaining the opposite meanings of eight English vocabularies visualized in the form of icons and symbols. This research is descriptive research using a qualitative approach. The data collection conducted by the researchers used random sampling technique with ten public elementary school children aged 8, 9, and 10 years old as respondents. The data collection activities are carried out by asking questions related to knowledge and understanding of vocabulary in the music video to each children after the researchers show the YouTube music video [Opposites Word Power | PINKFONG Songs for Children]. The result of this study is to explain the extent of understanding of English vocabulary by children through visual semiotics displayed in the video. The results show that the icons and symbols displayed in the video mostly help the children understand the meaning of the English vocabulary displayed. This research also proves that visual semiotics is a sign whose meaning is universal so that it can be used as a learning method used by educators in teaching English in public elementary schools in Indonesia.