Analysis of PGSD UNMUL student papers: a semantic study

Abstract

Writing scientific papers requires the application of strict linguistic rules, especially on the accuracy of meaning at the semantic level. However, in practice, word selection errors (diction) are still often found in students' academic assignments. This study aims to describe the forms of semantic errors, identify the causative factors, and formulate alternative solutions in minimizing these errors. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach with a content analysis method. The subject of this research is two papers of the first semester student papers of the Elementary School Teacher Education Study Program (PGSD) of Mulawarman University entitled "National Identity" and "Humans and Religion". The data collection technique is carried out through the see-and-record (read, record, conclude) method. The data analysis is based on the foundation of Gorys Keraf's Word Choice Theory (Diction). The results of the study showed that there were ten dominant semantic error data, including errors in the accuracy of contextual meanings, symptoms of pleonasm (redundancy of meaning), synonym selection errors, and illogical lexical meanings. The main factors that cause these errors are the limitation of academic vocabulary, lack of precision in editing documents, and the strong influence of non-formal spoken language. The recommended solution is the optimization of the use of language error detection applications (such as SIPEBI) as well as increasing the intensity of the practice of editing scientific papers independently.