BIPA Learner's strategies for learning Indonesian vocabulary in implicit learning

Vocabulary is an important part of language learning that supports the learner's language performance. This study focuses on Indonesian vocabulary employed by BIPA learners. In BIPA (Indonesian Language for Foreign Learners) Classes of LBI Universitas Indonesia, vocabulary is taught using an implicit learning approach, where it is integrated into the four skills of language (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and also the grammar class. Implicit learning requires a BIPA learner to learn vocabulary autonomously, as reflected from their strategy of vocabulary learning. This study aims to describe the strategies employed by BIPA learners to learn Indonesian vocabulary in implicit learning setting where it is integrated into the skills of language. To achieve this goal, a mix-method was employed using the convergent parallel design approach. The data were collected through questionnaire, adapted from Schmitt's taxonomy of vocabulary learning strategies, and interview. Subject of the study is 47 BIPA learners in LBI, UI. The analysis shows that the skill that most complicate BIPA learners in learning vocabulary is listening. Apparently, BIPA learners find that BIPA teachers spoke Indonesian too fast. Additionally, varying accent used by different teachers when pronouncing a word makes it hard for the learners to identify the form. 53% learners find reading to be easier than other skills of language, which constitutes half of the total responders. Two reasons are accountable: first, having external facility when reading; and second, the easiness of the text being read. To solve this problem, BIPA learners choose to employ cognitive strategy in attempt to adjust themselves to the characteristics of implicit learning that requires more self-reliance from them to master Indonesian vocabulary. This strategy can also be employed by other learners in terms of self-reliant learning without supervision of teachers/mentors, for example, from books or the Internet.