AI-Powered Storytelling for the Preservation of the Acehnese Language in Early Childhood Learners

Abstract

This study explored the potential of AI-powered storytelling tools to support early childhood learning and maintenance of the Acehnese language. As the intergenerational transmission of Acehnese continues to decline, innovative digital approaches are needed to make the language appealing and accessible to Acehnese young children. This research employed a design-based approach to develop an Acehnese storybook using AI-driven tools, namely Gemini AI and Canva. The storybook was designed to reflect Acehnese values while appealing to children’s visual and linguistic interests. It was piloted in two early childhood education centers in Banda Aceh to assess their effectiveness in enhancing children’s vocabulary recognition, comprehension, and engagement. Observations, language tasks, parent interviews, and teacher interviews revealed that children responded positively to the digital stories, showing improved attention, curiosity, engagement, vocabulary recognition, and emotional connections to the Acehnese language. The study highlights how such AI tools can empower educators and communities to preserve local language through creative, story-based learning. It offers a practical and scalable model for integrating AI-driven storytelling into early language education and cultural revitalization efforts in Indonesia.