Analysis of Indonesian Spelling in Narrative Composition of Grade IV Elementary School Students

Abstract

Spelling is an important element in writing because it plays a role in maintaining the accuracy of meaning, clarity of structure, and readability of a sentence. The ability to use correct spelling needs to be possessed by students since elementary school so they are able to produce writing that is in accordance with Indonesian language rules. However, in learning practice, spelling errors are still often found in students’ writing. These errors include the use of letters, word spelling, punctuation, and loan elements. This condition indicates that students’ understanding and application of Indonesian spelling rules are not yet fully consistent. This study aims to describe the use of Indonesian spelling in narrative essays of fourth-grade elementary school students based on the Indonesian Spelling (EYD) Edition V. This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. The research subjects were 33 fourth-grade students of SD Negeri 147 Pekanbaru. Research data were obtained through narrative essay writing tests and interviews with students and class teachers to strengthen the findings. Data were analyzed through the stages of identification, classification, and description of errors based on aspects of letter usage, word spelling, punctuation, and loan elements. The results of the study indicate that the use of Indonesian spelling in students’ narrative essays is still not fully in accordance with applicable rules. The most common errors were capitalization, prepositional spelling, and punctuation, including periods and commas. Meanwhile, relatively few errors were found in loanwords. The findings of this study indicate that students have grasped basic spelling rules, but still require reinforcement through ongoing learning and writing practice to ensure consistency.