Representation of National Heroes in English Language Textbooks Taught at Government Higher Secondary Schools of Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

Textbooks are not only to read but also inculcate values, virtues and norms of society given in the curriculum. Basically, the curriculum of Pakistani curriculum is broadly based on celebration of history that is taught in different subjects such as, Islamic studies, social studies, languages and Pakistan studies. These all textbooks have been used as a tool to propagate and promote national identity while representing stories of national heroes. These heroes carry certain hidden and intended ideologies. The aim of this research is to explore the textual and visual representation of national heroes of Pakistan who are portrayed in English language textbooks prescribed by Sindh Textbook Board taught in public higher secondary schools. Furthermore, this paper discusses the different elements such as; language, theme, writer’s objectivity, use of visuals, and certain ideas in order to explore the hidden ideologies behind representing national heroes. They make students patriotic, nationalistic, militaristic and religious which cause manipulation and exploitation of religion, misinterpretation and mixture of facts, misrepresentation of reality, reinforcement of some practices and so on. This is qualitative method. The textual analysis and semi-structured are proposed methods which are mostly applied in these kinds of research studies. We used the social constructive model as an analytical model for this research to uncover the hidden ideologies represented by the national heroes of Pakistan. They propagate the ideologies of Islam/Jehad, patriotism, anti-India, eulogizing heroes and fundamental divide between Muslims and Hindus.