Al-Azkiya : International Journal Languages and Education

A language use strategy refers to a method employed in using language that has been acquired at a certain stage. This study examines the strategies used for employing standard Arabic in international debates among debaters from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). The primary objective is to identify both direct and indirect strategies utilized in using standard Arabic for debate purposes. This qualitative research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, drawing on primary data from interviews with six (6) Arabic language debaters representing USIM at the international level. The research results show that the most important direct strategies for using standard Arabic in debates include: memory strategies such as repeating new words, writing, listening, speaking, and using applications. Cognitive strategies encompass reading, watching videos, asking questions among friends, discussing words, changing words, using the “mark” method, and searching for keywords related to debate topics. As for the indirect strategies, metacognitive strategies include structured methods provided by debate trainers, such as assigning words and topics, watching videos, and extracting words from those videos. Social strategies involve seeking assistance from advanced debaters, collaborating on word searches, sharing vocabulary, engaging in friendly competitions, and rehearsing speech style and vocabulary before formal training.