The Cultural Dimensions Presented in the 'English World 8' Textbook

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the cultural content embedded in the 'English World 8' textbook which is adopted by some Jordanian private schools and to highlight the levels of representation assigned to British, World and Arabic cultures. To achieve these goals, the researchers have designed a cultural checklist based on a criterion comprising 19 items representing personal names, places and countries, entertainment, ecology, customs, technology, social behavior, education, history, family, politics, man and woman relationship, communications, transportations, nutrition, sciences, economy, literature and religion. Results show that personal names, places & countries, entertainment and ecology, on the one hand, are the most prevailing cultural aspects in the textbook. On the other hand, religion is not represented at all. Results also reveal that 'English World 8' is heavily loaded with British and World cultures while the Arabic cultural elements are almost lacking.