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Analysis of Cultural Contents in CEFR- Aligned English Proficiency Textbook: Implications for material development for intercultural learning

Sahar, Rafidah and Ive, Emaliana (2023) Analysis of Cultural Contents in CEFR- Aligned English Proficiency Textbook: Implications for material development for intercultural learning. The International Young Scholars Journal of Languages, 6. pp. 44-55. E-ISSN 0128-2573

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Abstract

Cultural dimensions of various educational materials, especially English textbooks, have become the subject of an increasing number of studies in recent decades. In an English Language Teaching context, the shift from only emphasizing the culture of the target language to adopting a more comprehensive and intricate perspective on the interconnections between language and culture is crucial to promoting intercultural learning among learners. This paper analyses the representation of cultural materials in reading texts in an English textbook for pre-sessional university students in Malaysia. A content analysis based on the intercultural communication competence framework was employed to examine cultural contents in Pathways: Reading, Writing and Critical Thinking English CEFR-aligned textbook. The findings indicate that a significant portion of English as the target culture is reflected in the reading texts, which highlight the role of English in globalization, preservation of cultural heritage, and promotion of innovation. While the reading texts do represent some international cultures, the source culture needs to be adequately represented. The results of the study suggest that L2 learners' ability to critically examine and contrast their own cultural experiences with the viewpoints of the target culture might be impeded if the textbook exclusively portrays the target culture while ignoring the source culture. To gain a better understanding of how learners' own culture influences their beliefs, perspectives, values, and responses to their experiences in a new cultural context, the findings underscore the significance of incorporating a greater quantity of cultural materials from the source culture into English textbooks in Malaysia.

Item Type: Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords: Intercultural learning, ELT material development, English textbook, intercultural communication competence
Subjects: L Education > L Education (General)
L Education > LB Theory and practice of education
L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1025 Teaching (principles and practices)
L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
L Education > LT Textbooks
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): Kulliyyah of Languages and Management
Depositing User: Dr. Rafidah Sahar
Date Deposited: 19 Jan 2024 12:27
Last Modified: 19 Jan 2024 12:27
URI: http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/110270

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