Cultural Representation in Commercial and Government-Issued EFL Textbooks

Abstract

This study investigated cultural representations in two English as a Foreign Language (EFL) textbooks used under the Merdeka Curriculum, namely Bahasa Inggris Life Today (BILT) and Pathway to English 3 (PTE). The study aimed to identify the cultural elements represented in both textbooks and to examine the similarities and differences in their cultural representations. This study employed a qualitative content analysis design. The data were collected from reading texts, listening activities, speaking activities, and language exercises in the two textbooks. The analysis was conducted using Yuen’s (2011) cultural framework, consisting of Product, Person, Practice, and Perspective, and Cortazzi and Jin’s (1999) cultural categories, namely source culture, target culture, and international culture. The findings revealed that both textbooks contained all four cultural elements and three cultural categories. However, different patterns of representation were identified. The PTE textbook was dominated by Product representations, particularly literary works, technological innovations, and tourist attractions. In contrast, the BILT textbook contained more Practice and Perspective representations related to community activities, sustainable development, cooperation, and cultural values. The findings also showed that source culture was dominant in BILT, while target culture was the most frequently represented category in PTE. Although both textbooks included international culture, its representation was relatively limited. Overall, the study concludes that the government-issued and commercial textbooks represent culture in different ways. BILT emphasizes local culture, social practices, and cultural values, whereas PTE provides greater exposure to cultural products and cultural content from English-speaking countries.