Cultural Representation In English Textbook For Grade Iv Based On Single National Curriculm 2020

Abstract

In the contemporary globalized world, culture has attained increased significance as human societies have become closer. The scholars have attempted to unveil how culture plays an intricate role in social productions. The academic discourse too has attracted the researchers to examine how different cultures are reflected. In the development of intercultural communicative competence in learners, depiction of various cultures in English textbooks plays a vital role. However, there is a scarcity of comprehensive research studies concerning the description of various cultures in the English textbooks of Pakistan. The present study aimed at finding out the representation of various cultures in the English textbook for Grade IV based on the Single National Curriculum SNC (2020) used in the government schools of Pakistan at the Primary Level, providing an overall view regarding the state of cultures in the English textbook for Grade IV. It was a mixed-method study in which content analysis was employed. The contents of reading passages of the textbooks were categorized and analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively using the scheme of Cortazzi and Jin (2013). As regards the load of various cultures, elements of the source culture(s) dominated with 97% instances of mention and 58% instances of depiction. It was followed by neutral and target culture(s), respectively. In connection with the portrayal of cultural variables, the representation of history aspect is more than the aspect of customs and traditions. Target culture(s) was not covered adequately in the textbooks. There is no representation of international target culture(s). In the light of these findings, recommendations have been made for textbook writers and for further research.