Peranan Penggunaan Bahasa Dalam Pembentukan Karakter Anak Usia 7-12 Tahun Di Gaperta Ujung, Medan Helvetia

Abstrak

Language is the primary tool in the communication process, serving not only to convey information but also playing a crucial role in shaping a child's character. This research/service project aims to examine how language use in the surrounding environment, particularly in the Gaperta Ujung area of Medan Helvetia, influences the character development of children aged 7–12 years. Children at this age are in a sensitive stage of cognitive and moral development, highly influenced by verbal stimulation from family, school, and social environments. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this study was conducted through observation, interviews with parents and teachers, and analysis of children's language behavior in the local environment. The study findings indicate that positive, empathetic, and educational language use by adults significantly influences the instillation of values such as honesty, responsibility, and politeness in children. Conversely, coarse, authoritarian, or inconsistent language can shape negative behavior and hinder the formation of good character. Therefore, the active role of parents, teachers, and the community in creating a language environment that supports children's character development is crucial for fostering a generation of morally upright individuals.