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Whispers of Wisdom: A Qualitative Case Study on Character Education through Dodaidi Lullabies in Aceh’s Early Childhood
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Abstract
Purpose – This study explores the values of local wisdom embedded in Dodaidi lullabies as perceived by caregivers in Acehnese communities, with the aim of identifying and analyzing character values expressed through this traditional oral form. Rather than evaluating outcomes in children, the study focuses on how parents and community figures view Dodaidi as a cultural medium for transmitting values in early childhood. Dodaidi represents a unique combination of musical art, oral tradition, and cultural symbolism that reflects the moral and spiritual aspirations of Acehnese society.
Design/methods/approach – A qualitative case study approach was employed, with data collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis to investigate how Dodaidi is practiced and interpreted within informal family education settings.
Findings – The study identified key values that are embedded in Dodaidi lyrics according to parental and community perspectives: (1) unity and faith; (2) worship and religious practice; (3) reverence for parents and teachers (takzim); (4) social empathy and manners; and (5) responsibility and a strong work ethic.
Research implications/limitations – This study presents Dodaidi as a cultural expression perceived by caregivers to support informal character education. However, it does not assess its actual impact on children’s development. The study relies on adult perspectives and does not examine how abstract values like faith or responsibility are internalized by young children, especially those who may not yet comprehend the lyrics. Thus, conclusions are limited to perceived functions rather than proven effectiveness.
Practical implications – Dodaidi is typically sung by parents or grandparents during bedtime, blending affectionate interaction with the transmission of values and cultural identity. Its preservation can support cultural continuity in early childhood education.
Originality/value – The research contributes to discourse on culturally rooted educational practices by documenting how traditional lullabies such as Dodaidi are understood as moral resources within family life. It encourages greater appreciation for oral traditions as part of local strategies for value-based education.
Paper type Case study
Keywords:
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1. Introduction
In recent years, character has become increasingly recognized as a central pillar in the development of a nation’s human resources, particularly in the context of rapid globalization. Early childhood, often referred to as the “golden age,” is a critical period during which foundational character traits begin to take shape and become embedded in a child’s personality and behavior(Birhan et al., 2021). The formation of character is not an instant process but requires consistent exposure to value-laden interactions over time. This urgency is reflected in Indonesia’s Law No. 20 of 2003 on the National Education System, which affirms that education should develop learners into individuals who are faithful to God, morally upright, knowledgeable, creative, and socially responsible(Mei-Ju et al., 2014). Consequently, character education is not a supplementary goal, but a fundamental purpose of national education efforts.
In the contemporary globalized landscape, children are exposed to an array of external influences—both positive and negative—which may challenge their cultural identity and moral development. The influx of foreign cultural values can potentially erode national character unless effectively filtered through a robust system of value transmission(Mungmachon, 2012). One promising solution is to strengthen character education by embedding it within the framework of local cultural values and wisdom. This approach ensures that character formation is both contextually relevant and culturally grounded, offering resilience against homogenizing global trends. The active involvement of parents, educators, and community stakeholders is crucial to ensure that such values are consistently modeled and reinforced across settings(Filion et al., 2023)(Galán-Vera et al., 2025)(Hou et al., 2023)(Kim & Jin, 2024)(Leijten et al., 2024)(Li et al., 2024).
Local wisdom embodies the philosophical and ethical foundations of a community and represents a rich source of moral values that can be integrated into educational practices. Indonesia, as a culturally diverse nation, possesses a wealth of traditional values that can be instrumental in shaping character, with Acehnese culture standing out due to its strong Islamic orientation(Muvid et al., 2020). Suastra identifies local assets—such as traditional arts, customs, and human resources—as markers of regional identity and social capital(Suastra, 2006). Far from being an impediment to progress, local culture functions as a moral compass and a cultural filter in navigating global transformations(Layli et al., 2023). Thus, revisiting and revitalizing local wisdom is a strategic effort to cultivate character in a culturally congruent manner(Sakti et al., 2024).
One unique manifestation of local wisdom in Aceh is the Dodaidi tradition (also known as peu ayon aneuk), a form of lullaby sung to infants that conveys a spectrum of values ranging from religious devotion to social responsibility. Typically performed by mothers or fathers while rocking the child, these poetic lullabies introduce the child to concepts such as the oneness of God, love for the Prophet, respect for parents, and harmony with the environment(Hasanah et al., 2022). What distinguishes Dodaidi is its ability to function as an educational tool without relying on formal structures such as curricula or syllabi. Through melodic and affective expression, children are gently immersed in moral teachings from a very young age. This informal yet meaningful transmission of values underscores the importance of recognizing traditional cultural practices as viable educational resources.
Although several studies have explored the role of Dodaidi in transmitting values such as emotional bonding and religious identity(Andriani et al., 2018)(Syahril & Idris, 2019), these studies tend to focus on its functional aspects, often neglecting its symbolic, performative, and aesthetic dimensions. In contrast, this study seeks to enrich the understanding of Dodaidi by exploring not only the values embedded in its lyrics but also the cultural meanings, emotional expressions, and spiritual metaphors conveyed through its performance. Furthermore, it considers how Dodaidi is maintained or adapted across generations, reflecting both continuity and transformation within a changing cultural landscape. Through this lens, the research aims to illuminate Dodaidi as a living cultural artifact—situated between heritage preservation and pedagogical function—contributing to both academic discourse and practical insights on culturally grounded character education.
The concept of character has been defined as a combination of traits and behaviors that reflect an individual's moral orientation and identity(Dictionaries, 2009). Zubaidi interprets character as the internalization of goodness into concrete behavior(Zubaedi, 2011), while Aristotle, as cited by Lickona, describes character as the balance between self-oriented virtues (such as moderation) and interpersonal conduct(Lickona, 2009). Lickona elaborates further by categorizing character into three domains: moral knowing, moral feeling, and moral action—all of which must interact to produce a well-rounded moral agent(Lickona, 2009). Character includes critical thinking(Manassero-Mas et al., 2022), honesty(Ding et al., 2023)(Williams et al., 2021), empathy(Wahlers et al., 2024), and the ability to make ethical decisions in complex situations. It is, therefore, not merely a personal trait but a collective outcome shaped by relationships and cultural norms.
In this regard, local wisdom serves as a form of social capital rich in ethical norms, customary practices, and intergenerational knowledge(Pratama et al., 2024). These values may be embedded in proverbs, songs, rituals, or traditional sayings that regulate behavior within the community. Vipiyanti emphasizes that local wisdom, when institutionalized, forms the basis for socially accepted moral conduct(Vipiyanti, 2011). Wagiran identifies six characteristics of local wisdom, such as its contextual adaptability and potential for
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