Cultural Content in Textbooks

In general it is not easy to decide, which textbooks to use for a class, as there are so many different ones and all of them seem to have their advantages and disadvantages. With more and more focus on cultural aspects of teaching English, TESOL teachers should watch out for ESL books that include and integrate cultural aspects, as well as focus on some basic guidelines when using textbooks. Many books already include cultural aspects, but few are really offering “an in-depth discussion of the breadth and scope of culture” (Santos, 2007, para. 10).

I like the way Richards (1993, p. 43, as cited in Hinkel, 2009) formulates it: “I see textbooks as sourcebooks rather than coursebooks.” The use of textbooks can be helpful, important and even essential, but they should be just one source out of many. Teaching English should not only be focused on one textbook. Having that in mind can help TESOL teachers to create their instruction in a balanced way. Even if a book does not include that much cultural aspects, the teacher can still integrate culture into his/her instruction.

However, the reading this week provided a guideline for evaluating textbooks for the English classroom. A textbook should be checked for following cultural (Hinkel, 2009, p. 203):

• social identity and social groups
• social interaction, belief and behaviour
• social and political institutions
• socialization and the life cycle
• national history
• national geography
• stereotypes and national identity

In connection with reading about textbooks that include cultural aspects as well as in connection with this whole course about pragmatic implications for TESOL, this check list is very useful. I believe that TESOL teachers in any place should look for these criteria, when choosing a textbook. For teachers in Germany that might be especially easy, as new materials are often promoted and available, which is an advantage for German students learning English. Native and non-native speakers will benefit, when those who are learning English are more aware of cultural issues, starting already with teachers choosing the right textbook.

Hinkel, I. (2009). Culture in second language teaching and learning. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University.

Santos, D. (2007). Reconceptualizing textbooks in culture teaching. Academic Exchange Quarterly: Rapid Intellect Group. Retrieved from http://findarticles.com/p/articles /mi_hb3325/is_1_11/ai_n29356470/?tag=content;col1