Cultural Conceptualizations in EFL textbooks

  1. María Daniela Cifone Ponte 1
  1. 1 Universidad de La Rioja
    info

    Universidad de La Rioja

    Logroño, España

    ROR https://ror.org/0553yr311

Journal:
Revista Nebrija de Lingüística aplicada a la enseñanza de Lenguas

ISSN: 1699-6569

Year of publication: 2024

Volume: 18

Issue: 36

Pages: 128-141

Type: Article

DOI: 10.26378/RNLAEL1836570 DIALNET GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openOpen access editor

More publications in: Revista Nebrija de Lingüística aplicada a la enseñanza de Lenguas

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative study of two widely used EFL textbooks in the 4th year of Compulsory Secondary Education in La Rioja, Spain, examining how their reading activities influence learners' cultural cognitive processes through their vocabulary input. Employing Cultural Linguistics' framework (Sharifian, 2011), the study aims to: (i) identify the activation of cultural conceptualizations in the reading passages, (ii) assess the development of schemas and categories with the inclusion of sub-schemas and instances, and (iii) explore what cultures are enhanced by these cultural conceptualizations. Results indicate the activation of cultural schemas and categories, with schemas being more prevalent, and the inclusion of sub-schemas and instances enriching cultural meaning. The approach to addressing culture in EFL textbooks varies in each book. Our findings show that the presence of sub-schemas and instances may facilitate learners in effectively navigating intercultural encounters

Bibliographic References

  • Canga Alonso, A. & Cifone Ponte, M. D. (2015).An Analysis of Cultural Vocabulary in ELT textbooks. Odisea, 16,83-96.https://doi.org/10.25115/odisea.v0i16.298
  • Cifone Ponte, M. D.(2019).A quantitative and qualitative analysis of the vocabulary input of 2nd Baccalaureate EFL textbooks.[Unpublished doctoral thesis,University of La Rioja].
  • Cifone Ponte, M.D. & Mora Guarín, J.(2021). Immigrant learners’ cultural identities in the vocabulary input of EFL textbooks through prototypical associations. ELIA: Estudios de Lingüística Inglesa Aplicada,21, 51–84.
  • Cifone Ponte, M. D.(2023).Fostering Cultural Understanding Through Vocabulary: The Case of Graded Readers. International Journal of TESOL Studies, 5(2), 33-48.
  • Aliakbari, M., & Jamalvandi, B. (2013). Realization of culture in English textbooks in Chinese high school level. Pan-Pacific Association of Applied Linguistics,16(2), 89-101.
  • Alonso-Sainz, E. (2023). Neubauer, A. (Coord.). (2023). Programar en la LOMLOE: elementos curriculares y ejemplos prácticos. Centro de Estudios Financieros, 392 pp. Revista Tecnología, Ciencia Y Educación, (26), 191–194. Recuperado a partir de https://www.tecnologia-ciencia-educacion.com/index.php/TCE/article/view/19321
  • Alptekin, C. (1993). Target-language culture in EFL materials. ELT journal, 47(2), 136-143.
  • Amerian, M., & Tajabadi, A. (2020). The role of culture in foreign language teaching textbooks: an evaluation of New Headway series from an intercultural perspective. Intercultural Education,31(6), 623-644.
  • Ashrafi, S., & Ajideh, P. (2018). Exploring culture-related content in English textbooks: a closer look at advanced series of Iran language institute, The Journal of Applied Linguistics and Applied Literature, 6(1), 91-109.
  • Bahrami, N. (2015). Evaluating the Representation of Cultural Elements in an In-Use EFL Textbook. Advances in Language and Literary Studies, 6(3), 128-137.
  • Byram, M. (1997) Teaching and Assessing Intercultural Communicative Competence. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
  • Byram, M., & Risager, K. (1999). Language teachers, politics and cultures. Multilingual Matters.
  • Chao, T. (2011). The Hidden Curriculum of Cultural Content in Internationally Published EFL Textbooks: A Closer Look at New American Inside Out. The Journal of Asia TEFL, 8(2), 189-207.
  • Cortazzi, M. and L. Jin. (1999). Cultural mirrors: Materials and methods in EFL classroom. In E. Hinkel (Ed.), Culture in Second Language Teaching(pp.196-219).Cambridge University Press.
  • Council of Europe. (2001). Common European framework of reference for languages: learning, teaching, assessment. Cambridge University Press.
  • Dimitrijevic, N. R. (1977). Problems and implications of contrastive analysis of vocabulary and culture. Poznan Studies in Contemporary Linguistics, 7, 133-144.
  • Gray, J. (Ed.). (2013). Critical perspectives on language teaching materials. Springer.King, P. & Baxter Magolda, M. (2005). A Developmental Model of Intercultural Maturity. Journal of College Student Development, 46(6), 571-592.
  • Krippendorf, K. (2004). Content analysis: an introduction to its methodology. Sage Publications.Lakoff, G. (1986). Women, Fire, and Dangerous Things: What Categories Reveal about the Mind. The University of Chicago Press.
  • Marks, L., & Scott, A. (2019). Think Ahead 4. Burlington Books.Matsuda, A. (2002). "International Understanding" through Teaching World Englishes. World Englishes, 21(3), 436-440.
  • Nation, I. S. P., & Beglar, D. (2007). A vocabulary size test.The Language Teacher, 31, 9–13.
  • Méndez García, M. (2000). La Competencia cultural en la enseñanza del inglés como lengua extranjera: supuestos teóricos, análisis de su tratamiento en una muestra de libros de texto de inglés de bachillerato y propuesta de un currículum sociocultural. [Doctoral thesis,University of Jaen].
  • Méndez García, M. (2005). International and intercultural issues in English teaching textbooks: the case of Spain. Intercultural Education, 16(1), 57-68.Nauton, J. & Crossley, R. (2012). Aspire Pre-Intermediate Student’s Book. National Geographic ELT.
  • Porto, M. & Byram, M. (2016). New Perspectives on Intercultural Language Research and Teaching: Exploring Learners’ Understanding of Texts from Other Cultures. Routledge.
  • Read, J. (1993). The development of a new measure of L2 vocabulary knowledge. Language Testing, 10, 355-371.
  • Risager, K. (1991). Cultural References in European textbooks: an evaluation of recent tendencies. In E. D. Buttjes, & M. Byram (Eds.), Mediating Languages and Cultures(pp. 181-193). Multicultural Matters.
  • Risager, K. (1991). Cultural references in European textbooks: anevaluation of recent tendencies. In D. Buttjes & M. Byram (Eds.),Mediating languages and cultures: Towards an intercultural theory of foreign language education(181-192). Multicultural Matters.
  • Schmitt, N. (2000). Vocabulary in Language Teaching.Cambridge University Press.
  • Sharifian, F. (2003). On cultural conceptualisations. Journal of Cognition and Culture, 3(3), 187-207.
  • Sharifian, F. (2009). Cultural Conceptualizations in English as an International. In F. Sharifian (Ed.), English as an International Language: Perspectives and Pedagogical Issues(pp: 242-252). Multilingual Matters.
  • Sharifian, F. (2011). Cultural Conceptualisations and Language: Theoretical Framework and Applications. John Benjamins.
  • Sharifian, F. (2013). Cultural linguistics and intercultural communication. In F, Sharifian and M. Jamarani (Eds.), Language and intercultural communication in the New Era(pp. 60-79). Routledge.
  • Sharifian, F. (Ed.). (2017). Advances in Cultural Linguistics. Springer.
  • Song, B. (2019). Exploring the cultural content in Chinese ELT textbooks from intercultural perspectives. The Journal of Asia TEFL, 16(1), 267-278. http://dx.doi.org/10.18823/asiatefl.2019.16.1.17.267
  • Ulrich, N. (2004). The cultural dimension in secondary MFL classrooms and textbook materials in the UK: an investigation into the student perspective. [Unpublished Doctoral thesis,University of Nottingham].
  • Wade, S. E., Buxton, W. M., & Kelly, M. (1999). Using think‐alouds to examine reader‐text interest. Reading Research Quarterly, 34(2), 194-216.
  • Wandel, R. (2002). Teaching India in the EFL-Classroom: A cultural or an intercultural approach?. Language Culture and Curriculum, 15(3), 264-272.
  • Schissler, H. (1990). Limitations and Priorities for International Social Studies Textbook Research. International Journal of Social Education, 4(3), 81-89. 741
  • Wu, J. (2010). A Content Analysis of the Cultural Content in the EFL Textbooks. Canadian Social Science, 6(5), 137-144. 718981