Functional Systemic Role Analysis (FSRA) on Early Childhood in the Development of Vocabulary: Insights from Indonesia

Abstract

This study analyzes the role of functional systemics in vocabulary development in early childhood. Vocabulary development in early childhood plays an important role in the formation of cognitive foundations and more complex language abilities in the future. The study adopts a functional systemic role analysis approach to investigate the relationship between linguistic, cognitive and contextual aspects in vocabulary development. It utilized observations as a research methodology. Data were collected through direct observation of a group of children aged 2-5 years old in their daily environment. Children's interactions with objects, people and their surroundings were noted for period of August until December 2022 at Methodist Kindergarten in Pematang Siantar. Findings show that there are various functional systemic roles in vocabulary development in early childhood. Some of the roles identified include expressive functions, representative functions and interactional functions. The expressive function involves the use of vocabulary to convey feelings, wishes or opinions. The representational function involves the use of vocabulary to describe objects or events around them. The interactional function involves the use of vocabulary in social interactions with adults or peers.