This study examines the representation of cultures across three sets of national English textbooks currently used in China by conducting a synchronic content analysis to explore what and how cultures are represented in the textbooks. Data analysis was conducted based on a newly constructed framework focusing on the content (countries and…

Internationally operating professionals in China study business English to develop their language proficiency and transcultural communicative competence. While a variety of business English textbooks are on the market and are used in China, their conceptualizations of culture tend to be nation-based, static, and predictable -- views of culture…

Studies examining culture representation in language textbooks have rarely adopted the semiotic approach, despite its potential for presenting and (re)creating cultural meanings at their various levels (i.e. cultural, intercultural, multicultural, and transcultural) in the co-instantiations of texts, tasks, and images. To address this issue, a…

Iranian authorities view English language learning as a disturbing influence on national identity. They are concerned about its impact on learners' identities. Despite the political concern, there is growing interest in learning English in Iranian private schools for personal and social development. This article reports on a study in which six…

The second-language (L2) Motivational Self System (L2MSS) proposed by Zoltán Dörnyei described how L2 learners are motivated through envisioning their ideal future L2 self. The L2MSS framework for studying L2 motivation has had mixed results. The aim of this study was to evaluate measuring future selves as L2 motivators consistent with the L2MSS…

This study drew on two case studies to explore the implementation of the Atayal Indigenous book program in Taiwan. Eight teachers from two focal classrooms were invited to use dual language books featuring recurring grammatical structures to help young children learn the Atayal language. This study's purpose was to explore the instructional…

Advocates of using songs and music in English as a second language (EL2) teaching and learning contexts emphasize the educational benefits of song lyrics. To make the full potential of using songs more visible and accessible to EL2 teachers, this article presents a methodological framework that can be used when planning a song unit for learners.…

This study examines the perspectives of Saudi heritage tour guides on their linguistic proficiency and their role in representing Saudi Islamic culture to international visitors. A questionnaire was used to explore how they perceive their responsibilities in conveying Saudi traditions, history, and Islamic values, as well as the effectiveness of…

Foreign language textbooks not only aid language learners in developing their linguistic skills and knowledge but also reshape their cultural identities. Drawing on theories of critical curriculum studies, this paper examines cultural representation in two sets of US-produced Chinese as a foreign language (CFL) textbooks for American college…

Although a number of studies have been conducted on the existence of cultural and linguistic hegemony in EFL course books, both global and local publishers, and authors intentionally or unintentionally seem to reflect specific cultures, norms, and ideologies more in the course books. Thus, the present study aims to explore the state of hegemonic…

The present study was undertaken in order to analyze two elementary school coursebooks in terms of their intercultural content. The analysis was based upon Yuen's (2011) framework, which comprises of products, practices, perspectives, and persons. The category of products involves tangible products such as books or paintings as well as abstract…

This study presents language as a form of social expression through which feelings, ideas and thoughts are signified in a Culture. However, distinct groups belonging to the same society may define those factors in different ways, giving rise to a phenomenon called 'Multiculturality'. Therefore, thinking about this cultural diversity and taking…

Cultural awareness is essential in foreign language education. This paper explores two projects that exemplify the integration of cultural elements into foreign language learning involving both first language (L1) and second language (L2) cultures. The first project was initiated in the course "German Cinema". It focuses on the legendary…

This study investigates how cultural norms influence English language communication by examining speech acts and politeness strategies in informal digital discourse. Focusing on ten YouTube interviews--five from Thailand's KND Studio and five from China's ICON--the study analyzes how Thai and Chinese hosts and guests use English as a lingua…

This research aims to analyze cultural items in the international Chinese education network course resource database found in the "Chinese Bridge" delegation online experience platform. Data were collected from 878 culture-themed courses implemented by 106 schools (including 64 universities, and 39 vocational colleges, 3 high schools)…