skip to main content

Visual Literacy of Traditional Play (Dentou Tekina Asobi) To Stimulate Cross-Cultural Understanding in The Dokkai Course

Universitas Riau, Indonesia

Open Access Copyright (c) 2026 by authors under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.

Citation Format:
Abstract

This study aims to explain how visual literacy using digital photos supports students’ reading comprehension and cross-cultural understanding in a dokkai (reading) course. Visual literacy in this study was implemented through digital photos and texts with a focus on traditional Japanese and Indonesian games, which provided a meaningful cultural context for comparison. Digital photos were obtained from online sources and were used to help students observe traditional play (dentoteki na asobi) and connect vocabulary, textual meaning, and cultural elements. Visual literacy provided initial support for reading, stimulated prediction and interpretation, and encouraged critical thinking about cross-cultural phenomena. This research employed a qualitative descriptive method to examine how digital photos were used as a dokkai learning medium and how visual literacy supported students’ exploration of cross-cultural understanding. The results showed that students were able to identify similarities and differences between traditional Japanese and Indonesian games, appreciated the cultural value of traditional play, and developed critical awareness of shifts between traditional and modern play culture.

Fulltext View|Download
Keywords: visual literacy, digital photos, traditional play, dokkai, cross-cultural

Article Metrics:

  1. Ayumawarsih, R., & Winarni, R. (2025). Studi literatur: Strategi pembelajaran bahasa Indonesia berbasis literasi visual dalam mengatasi krisis minat baca siswa sekolah dasar. Pendas: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Dasar, 10(2)
  2. Chang, Y. C., Bangsri, A., Jabioon, C., & Pakdeewong, U. (2022). Effect of Thai junior high student intercultural competence on resilience, well-being, and reading attitudes. International Journal of Educational Methodology, 8(2), 211–219. https://doi.org/10.12973/ijem.8.2.211
  3. Gabowitsch, M., & Topolska, A. (2023). Visual literacy in history education: Textbooks and beyond. Journal of Educational Media, Memory, and Society, 15(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.3167/jemms.2023.150101
  4. Komaini, A., Inarta, G. U., Kiram, P. Y., & Handayani, S. G. (2024). Integrating traditional games in learning for students' interests and motor skills. Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pengajaran, 57(3), 573–584. https://doi.org/10.23887/jpp.v57i3.58128
  5. Kusumaningputri, R., & Widodo, H. P. (2018). Promoting Indonesian university students’ critical intercultural awareness in tertiary EAL classrooms: The use of digital photo-mediated intercultural tasks. System, 72, 49–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2017.10.003
  6. Manuhutu, L. (2025). The role of retelling activities in strengthening students’ understanding of narrative texts. Journal of Literacy and Language Learning, 5(1), 33–48. https://doi.org/10.62793/japsi.v2i1.26
  7. Maulia, D. (2018). The application of small group discussion method in dokkai class by using nama kyōzai as the learning media. In Improving Educational Quality Toward International Standard (ICED-QA 2018) (pp. 16–21). SCITEPRESS – Science and Technology Publications, Lda. https://doi.org/10.5220/0008678600160021
  8. Ningsih, N. L. A. B. H. (2023). The importance of game-based learning in English learning for young learners in the 21st century. The Art of Teaching English as a Foreign Language, 4(1), 25–30. https://doi.org/10.36663/tatefl.v4i1.492
  9. Nurmaisyah, N., & Hasriani. (2025). Exploring cultural and intercultural dimensions in English language teaching: A systematic review of teacher and learner perspectives. SIGEH ELT: Journal of Literature and Linguistics, 5(2), 679-695. https://www.journal.uml.ac.id/index.php/ELt/article/view/3810
  10. Özsoy, V. (2021). Developing visual literacy skills in teacher education: Different ways of looking at the visual images. Educational Policy Analysis and Strategic Research, 16(3), 49–70. https://doi.org/10.29329/epasr.2021.373.3
  11. Permatasari, I. (2023). The integration of intercultural communicative competence in ELT settings: A systematic review. LingTera, 10(1), 54–63. https://doi.org/10.21831/lt.v10i1.59885
  12. Sadigzade, Z. (2025). Language learning through games: A computational linguistics perspective. EuroGlobal Journal of Linguistics and Language Education. https://doi.org/10.69760/egjlle.2500206
  13. Shimono, T. R. (2023). The Effects of extensive reading, timed reading, and repeated oral reading on Japanese University L2 English learners’ reading rates and comprehension over one academic year. Reading in a Foreign Language, 35(2), 190-221. https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/bitstreams/ba50513f-3843-40d0-bee8-07a5d2b0f12f/
  14. Sri Hastuty, H., & Ong, S. (2025). Pagelaran budaya di Sakura Matsuri sebagai strategi diplomasi untuk mengundang masyarakat Indonesia mengunjungi Jepang. KIRYOKU, 9(2), 481–495. https://doi.org/10.14710/kiryoku.v9i2.481-495
  15. Suci, A. A. D. (2023). ELE students’ perceptions and experiences on the role of intercultural communication course for teaching practice. RETAIN: Journal of Research in English Language Teaching. https://ejournal.unesa.ac.id/index.php/retain/article/view/54986 Unesa eJournal
  16. Supsakova, B. (2016). Visual literacy for the 21st century. IJAEDU – International E-Journal of Advances in Education, 2(5), 159–164. http://ijaedu.ocerintjournals.org
  17. Umoro, A. L. (2025). How Japanese popular culture has been studied in Indonesia, 2003–2023: A narrative review and agenda for future research. KIRYOKU, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 621-634, Oct. 2025. https://doi.org/10.14710/kiryoku.v9i2.621-634

Last update:

No citation recorded.

Last update: 2026-01-29 09:58:39

No citation recorded.