Grammar becomes more meaningful when it’s taught through culture. When students can connect language with identity, history, and spiritual beauty, grammar transforms from abstract rules into living expression. One such cultural gem that offers this harmony is the Watugong Pagoda, formally known as the Avalokitesvara Pagoda, located in Semarang, Central Java.
Standing at 45 meters tall, Watugong Pagoda is the tallest pagoda in Indonesia. Built in the early 2000s within the Vihara Buddhagaya Watugong complex, the pagoda is dedicated to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, the embodiment of compassion. Its stunning seven-tier structure and peaceful surroundings make it a perfect place for both spiritual reflection and language exploration.
Let’s explore how English grammar can be taught through the beauty and message of Watugong Pagoda.
Example (Present Simple + Passive Voice):
“Watugong Pagoda is known for its elegant architecture and is visited by people who seek peace and reflection.”
This introduces the present simple passive, ideal for describing current facts and characteristics.
Example (Past Simple + Time Phrases):
“The pagoda was constructed in 2005 and became a new spiritual landmark in Semarang.”
The past simple tense helps learners describe historical or completed actions with clarity and context.
Example (Present Perfect + Cultural Impact):
“The temple complex has attracted thousands of visitors since its opening, including tourists, monks, and students of culture.”
Using the present perfect shows a link between past events and their ongoing relevance today.
Example (Relative Clauses):
“The pagoda, which represents the teachings of compassion, stands gracefully next to a giant statue of Avalokitesvara.”
Relative clauses enrich writing by adding detailed and descriptive information about a subject.
Example (Modals for Advice and Possibility):
“Visitors should remain quiet inside the pagoda, and they might experience a serene prayer ceremony if they come at the right time.”
Here, modal verbs express etiquette and possible cultural experiences—essential for building both language skills and intercultural understanding.
By learning grammar through Watugong Pagoda, students are invited to see grammar as a way to tell stories, honor sacred spaces, and express respect. Grammar, in this context, is not just structure—it’s harmony, just like the temple itself.