The role of culture in foreign language teaching textbooks: an evaluation ofNew Headwayseries from an intercultural perspective

Abstract

Textbooks used in foreign language instruction cannot be simply separated from cultural contexts because the mere study of the abstract system of language does not equip learners with the required knowledge, skill, and attitudes to interact effectively and meaningfully in real situations. This is the premise of the intercultural approach that aims at developing learners’ awareness of cultural issues. In the present study, the role of culture in foreign language instruction in terms of the cultural content of Oxford’s New Headway (4th ed.) was investigated. A number of 80 EFL teachers responded to an intercultural communicative competence checklist . Also, five teachers participated in a series of retrospective group interviews and discussed their opinions regarding the cultural content of the textbooks. The analysis of the participants’ responses on the checklist and the interviews indicated that textbooks in this series have inadequacies and biases when it comes to the presentation and development of intercultural knowledge, attitude, and awareness. These aspects are exemplified and discussed, and the implications of the study for teachers and textbook designers are noted.

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