Strategi Komunikasi dalam Pelaksanaan Program Bestari Sholat pada KKN Internasional di Azizstan Foundation School, Pattani, Thailand

Abstract

The implementation of university community service programs in cross-cultural educational settings presents communication challenges due to differences in the linguistic backgrounds of instructors and students. This article aims to describe the language barriers and communication strategies employed during the Bestari Sholat program as part of the International Community Service Program (KKN) at Azizstan Foundation School, Pattani, Thailand. This study adopts a descriptive qualitative approach, focusing on the implementation of the program. The findings indicate that the main challenge in delivering learning materials was that not all students understood the Malay language used by the university students. This situation required adjustments in the way the materials were communicated to facilitate the continuation of learning activities. The communication strategies included adapting language use to students’ comprehension levels, simplifying explanations, demonstrating prayer movements, providing hands-on practice, and seeking assistance from students who understood Thai to translate the materials for their peers. These strategies represented forms of communication adaptation in response to linguistic differences during the program. Therefore, the implementation of Bestari Sholat highlights the importance of linguistic flexibility, context-sensitive communication, and demonstration-based learning in multilingual community service settings. This experience may serve as an evaluation point for designing similar community service programs that are more responsive to students’ communication needs.