Cultural and Linguistic Ideology in English Textbooks in Korean Contexts: Implications for Educators

Abstract

Research shows Eurocentrism dominates English as a Foreign Language (EFL) textbooks, but does it still? Grounded in critical literacy, this study examined cultural elements in 11 South Korean EFL textbooks. The findings reveal 1) a variety of cultural topics, 2) dominance of Western cultures, and 3) white people as key figures. This suggests that the textbooks introduce many countries’ cultural and historical information but marginalize non-Western people, implicitly giving power to Western people. This suggests that equal representation of diverse people and cultures is necessary in textbooks for EFL learners’ access to genuine diversity, equity, and inclusion.