The Impact of Thai Phonological Interference on the Aesthetics of Indonesian Poetry Reading: A Case Study

This study investigates the forms and effects of phonological interference in the recitation of Indonesian poetry by Thai students. Phonological interference occurs when the phonetic system of a speaker's first language (L1) influences the articulation of a second language (L2), in this case, Indonesian. Using a qualitative case study method, this research analyzes audio recordings of Thai students reading the poem "Guru adalah Lampu" and draws on data from semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal several consistent interference patterns, including consonant substitutions, vowel additions, and incorrect stress placement. These patterns significantly impact the rhythmic and aesthetic qualities of the poem, disrupting elements such as rhyme, alliteration, and emotional resonance. Despite these challenges, the study also identifies potential positive contributions of interference, such as the emergence of novel rhythmic structures and cultural inflections. The findings underscore the importance of phonetic training and aesthetic awareness in BIPA (Indonesian for Foreign Speakers) pedagogy, especially in literature-oriented instruction.