The Dynamics of Halliday’s Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) Interpersonal Metafunction in Understanding Students’ Desires in Indonesian Language Learning

Abstract

This research aims to analyze teachers' linguistic strategies in understanding the desires of eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri 8 Denpasar using a Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) approach. The primary focus of this study is the interpersonal metafunction of language, specifically within teacher-student interactions during the learning process. The method employed is a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study design, utilizing data collection techniques such as participatory observation, interviews, and documentation. The results indicate that students' desires are often not stated explicitly but are instead expressed through indirect utterances, such as questions, complaints, or emotional expressions. Teachers who possess linguistic sensitivity and implement communication strategies based on interpersonal metafunctions encompassing mood, modality, and residue are able to respond to such utterances empathetically and functionally. The strategies utilized by teachers include affirmation, light humor, emotional validation, and reflective questioning. This study concludes that the application of SFL in classroom communication practices can strengthen interpersonal relationships, create a supportive learning environment, and encourage active student participation. The findings of this research are expected to serve as a guideline for teachers in understanding students' needs and desires within the pedagogical.