Derivation and Inflection Inaccuracies: A Morphological Error Matrix for Improving Arabic Writing Competence in the Pesantren Context

Alif Cahya Setiyadi; Ahmad Farhan Rif'an Najib; Ihwan Mahmudi; Muhammad Khoirul Malik

doi:10.32332/an-nabighoh.v27i2.265-284

Authors

Alif Cahya Setiyadi University of Darussalam Gontor https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6899-5572
Ahmad Farhan Rif'an Najib University of Darussalam Gontor https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4165-1940
Ihwan Mahmudi University of Darussalam Gontor
Muhammad Khoirul Malik Leipzig University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32332/an-nabighoh.v27i2.265-284

Keywords:

Arabic Morphology, Writing Error Analysis, Verb Conjugation Patterns

Abstract

This study aims to identify and analyze morphological errors found in students’ weekly insha’ writings within the Pesantren (Islamic boarding school) environment. These errors, especially in derivation (ishtiqāq) and verb conjugation (taṣrīf), indicate limited consolidation of essential sharf principles. Despite the consistent implementation of weekly insha’ activities, dominant error patterns persist, revealing a gap between morphological theory and actual language use. Data were collected from students’ written works, semi-structured interviews with teachers and learners, and classroom observations to capture the teaching learning context. A qualitative content analysis was applied using a deductive-inductive coding process to classify errors into categories such as incorrect fi‘l forms, wazn inconsistencies, and misuse of ism patterns violating sharf rules. A morphological error-tracking matrix was designed to map and interpret these morphological deviations systematically. The findings demonstrate that limited contextual reinforcement and lack of applied practice contribute to recurring errors. Consequently, this study highlights the need to reorient sharf instruction toward integrative and practice-based approaches, with the morphological error-tracking matrix serving as both diagnostic and pedagogical innovation.

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Author Biographies

Alif Cahya Setiyadi, University of Darussalam Gontor

Alif Cahya Setiyadi is an Arabic lecture at University of Darussalam Gontor, specializing in Applied Linguistics. He holds a Ph.D. in Arabic Linguistics from University of Leipzig Germany. Currently, he is a researcher at University of Darussalam Gontor, focusing on Applied Linguistics. Alif Cahya Setiyadi has extensive experience in Applied Linguistics, with a particular focus on Arabic Applied Linguistics. In addition to his research, Alif Cahya Setiyadi is actively involved in teaching of Arabic linguistics Arabic computational projects particularly in Arabic morphology, and other professional activities, serving as assistant professor and tutor at this university. He can be contacted at alif.setiyadi@unida.gontor.ac.id.
Ahmad Farhan Rif'an Najib, University of Darussalam Gontor

Ahmad Farhan Rif’an Najib is a graduate student at the University of Darussalam Gontor (UNIDA Gontor), Indonesia. His research interests include Arabic language pedagogy, morphological studies, and interactive media-based learning. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Arabic Language Education and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in the same field at UNIDA Gontor. His academic work primarily focuses on game-based learning, writing competence, and morphological development among pesantren students. In addition to his research, he serves as a language instructor at Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor and is actively engaged in Arabic language teaching and educational innovation. He can be contacted at farhanrifan@mhs.unida.gontor.ac.id.
Ihwan Mahmudi, University of Darussalam Gontor

Ihwan Mahmudi is an Arabic lecture and the Dean of the Faculty of Tarbiyah at the University of Darussalam Gontor, Indonesia. His research focuses on educational evaluation, measurement, and Arabic language assessment within Islamic education settings. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Research and Evaluation from Universitas Negeri Jakarta. His current work involves developing assessment frameworks and evaluation instruments for Arabic language learning and teacher education. He has supervised numerous research projects and actively contributes to academic innovation and institutional quality enhancement at UNIDA Gontor. He can be contacted at ihwanm@unida.gontor.ac.id.
Muhammad Khoirul Malik, Leipzig University

Muhammad Khoirul Malik is a doctoral student at Leipzig University, specializing in Islamic and Cultural Studies. He holds a Master degree in Cross Religions and Cultural Studies from Gadjah Mada University. Currently, he is a doctoral candidate and researcher at Leipzig University - Germany, focusing on Arabic and Islamic Studies. Muhammad Khoirul Malik has extensive experience in Islamic and Cultural Studies, with a particular focus on the socio-cultural of Indonesian-Arab people. In addition to his research, Muhammad Khoirul Malik is actively involved in teaching, serving as a lecturer utor at Sayyid Ali Rahmatullah State Islamic University in Tulungagung, Indonesia. He can be contacted at muhammad_khoirul.malik@studserv.uni-leipzig.de.

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