Analysis of Grade Nine and Ten English Textbooks from Cultural Perspectives

Abstract

This research entitled "Analysis of Grade Nine and Ten English Textbooks from Cultural Perspectives" aims to analyze and interpret English textbooks through cultural perspectives. A content analysis of the these textbooks was conducted, using three broad aspects of culture i.e. 'cultural dimensions', 'cultural categories' and 'cultural themes' as the evaluation framework. Grade nine and ten English textbooks were the main source of this research work. The necessary data was collected through the checklist and analyzed descriptively. Analyzing the grade nine and ten English textbooks, I came to find out that there were imbalances in representing textbook materials consistent with students' intercultural communicative competence (ICC). First, with regard to cultural dimensions, English textbooks seriously under-represented aspects of culture as 'communities' and as 'persons'. Second, in the analysis of cultural categories, both English textbooks had relatively less intercultural interaction (ICC) elements, constraining the opportunities to reinforce students' cultural perspectives. Third, an analysis of the cultural themes revealed that there were imbalances in representing 'products' (Big C) and 'practices' (Little C) in the textbooks. Grade nine textbook did not have any representations as 'Big C' and 'little C' in the ICI category, but 1.67% portions was seen in grade ten textbook in the same category. This research work comprises of five chapters. The first chapter consists of the introductory part. It consists of the general background of the study, statement of the problem, objectives of the study, significance of the study, and delimitations of the study of the research. The second chapter consists of the review of the related literature, implications of the review and the conceptual frame work of the study. The third chapter consists of methodology and the procedure of the study. Likewise, the fourth chapter contains the analysis and interpretation of the data. It consists of the separate table, figures and analysis of the grade nine and ten English textbooks. Finally, chapter five includes findings, recommendations and pedagogical implications of the study.