The publication of Bahasa dan Seni: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Pengajarannya Volume 54 Number 1, 2026 reflects the journal’s ongoing commitment to advancing scholarship in language, literature, education, translation, media, and cultural studies within interdisciplinary and contemporary contexts. This issue features sixteen articles contributed by scholars from various institutions, offering diverse perspectives and methodological approaches in response to current social, cultural, and technological developments.

Several articles in this issue explore the relationship between culture, identity, and digital transformation. The study on digital disruption in Karawitan recordings highlights paradigm shifts as well as challenges in preserving traditional arts in the digital era. Meanwhile, research on the environmental graphic design of the Great Mosque ornaments demonstrates efforts to strengthen Demak’s city branding through visual cultural approaches. Literary and cultural discussions are further enriched through analyses of religiosity and ritual in Rangsang Tuban, historical meaning in Question of Red, and the paradox of homosexuality and identity in Tom Crewe’s The New Life.

Issues of language, discourse, and communication also receive significant attention in this volume. Articles discussing the naturalness of translating Quranic imperative verses, linguistic strategies in food marketing discourse on Instagram, and the linguistic landscape of angkringan naming practices in Semarang illustrate the dynamic role of language in religious, digital, commercial, and public spaces. In addition, the analysis of NBC News coverage of the Debanhi Escobar case through a dialectical relational approach offers a critical perspective on media representation of law enforcement authorities.

Educational innovation and literacy development emerge as another major theme in this edition. Studies on animation-based learning media, transformative learning technology textbooks, the implementation of TPACK in differentiated instruction, and early reading assessment using EGRA contribute valuable theoretical and practical insights for improving educational practices. At the same time, the bibliometric analysis of artificial intelligence in English language teaching reflects the growing academic interest in integrating emerging technologies into language education. The article on local wisdom in the Nagasasra textbook also emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive education in supporting the strengthening of the Pancasila Student Profile (P5).

Through this collection of articles, JBS continues to provide a platform for academic dialogue and critical inquiry that contributes to the development of humanities and language education studies. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all authors, reviewers, editors, and everyone involved in maintaining the academic quality of this publication. We hope that the studies presented in this issue will contribute meaningfully to scholarly discussions and inspire further research in related fields.

Editor-in-Chief
Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra (JBS)