Toponymy-Based Digital Storytelling for Tourism Language Learning

Abstract

Tourism language learning often relies on decontextualized materials that provide limited exposure to local narratives. This study explores the use of toponymy-based digital storytelling for tourism language learning by integrating local place names, migration history, and cultural narratives into interactive digital materials. Using a qualitative approach, toponymic data were collected through in-depth interviews with traditional leaders in Cikoneng Village, Banten, supported by field observations and documentation. The collected narratives were transformed into bilingual digital storytelling materials using Google My Maps. The participants consisted of 30 fourth-semester students enrolled in an English for Business and Professional Communication program who engaged in the digital storytelling activities. Data were analyzed using an interactive model that included data reduction, data display, and conclusion verification. The findings show that the toponymy of Cikoneng Village reflects the cultural interaction and migration history of Sundanese, Javanese, and Lampung communities. The digital storytelling activities enabled learners to connect language learning with local cultural narratives, spatial information, and tourism-related communication. The study demonstrates that toponymy-based digital storytelling can support contextual and culturally grounded tourism language learning through interactive place-based narratives.