The Influence of Social Environment On English Language Mastery Among Senior High School Students

Abstract

English is currently an important global language in various fields, from education, economics, to technology. In Indonesia, English is taught as a foreign language in the education curriculum. However, even though it has been studied since elementary education, students' ability to master English varies greatly. One factor that can influence English language mastery is the social environment. The social environment includes students' interactions with family, peers, and teachers, as well as their exposure to media and technology. In this context, it is important to understand the extent to which the social environment influences students' English language skills. Family influence, including parental encouragement and exposure to English at home, plays a significant role in shaping students’ language development. Similarly, the school environment, particularly through extracurricular activities and facilities, enhances students' practice and usage of English. Peer interactions also contribute significantly to students' conversational abilities and confidence. Furthermore, consistent engagement with English-language content in media and entertainment was found to reinforce vocabulary acquisition and listening comprehension.  The results suggest that creating an English-rich social environment, both at home and in school, can greatly enhance language learning outcomes. This research provides valuable insights for educators and policymakers in designing strategies to improve English language education by fostering a supportive social environment for learners