Ideology And Hegemony Of English Foreign Language Textbooks

This volume investigates ideological and hegemonic practices in globally and locally written English as a Foreign Language (EFL) textbooks, and explores whether these textbooks reflect the values, beliefs and norms of the native-speaker society by examining their ideological components and the hegemonic practices by means of which the source society or state seeks to influence learners of the language. It also attempts to clarify EFL teachers’ and students’ views on the underlying ideology and hegemonic practices in globally and locally written EFL textbooks. Studies on the relationship between ideology, hegemony and textbooks in applied linguistics have become more prevalent in recent decades, as the emergence of critical theory, critical pedagogy, and critical thinking skills from the 1920s onwards has led scholars to adopt a more critical perspective towards EFL textbooks, especially with regard to elements of ideology and hegemony. These two terms encompass a plethora of components, ranging from nationalism to religion. At the same time, the importance of metanarratives originating from the tenets of modernism has declined from the 1960s onwards, the assumption being that the world has entered a new age called postmodernism and post-structuralism that emphasizes the role of individuals and rejects efforts to reinforce post-colonialism, the effects of which can be seen in EFL textbooks. Accordingly, taking the elements of ideology and hegemony into account remains a vital aspect in the analysis of EFL textbooks.

This book examines the role textbooks play in the teaching of dominant and non-dominant (first and foreign) languages in a range of cultural contexts worldwide. Each chapter addresses important issues related to what constitutes "legitimate knowledge", the politics of learning materials, global cultural awareness, competing ideologies, and the development of multilingual literacies. Language, Ideology and Education: The Politics of Textbooks in Language Education comprehensively surveys theoretical perspectives and methodological issues in the critical examination of language textbooks. In particular, it looks at: The Cultural Politics of Language Textbooks in the Era of Globalization The Politics of Instructional Materials for English for Young Learners Ideological Tensions and Contradictions in Lower Primary English Teaching Materials in Singapore Creating a Multilingual/multicultural Space in Japanese EFL: A Critical Analysis of Discursive Practices within a New Language Education Policy The book is primarily addressed to those who teach and research in the areas of Foreign Language Education, TESOL, Applied Linguistics, Language Policy, Critical Pedagogy, and Textual Cultures. Although the book is focused on textbook and materials analysis, rather than evaluation, most chapters discuss implications for curriculum design and materials development and therefore will be relevant to scholars working in those fields.

This volume critically examines the effects of the spread of English from colonialism to the ‘New World Order’. The research explores the complex and often contradictory roles English has played in national development. Historical analyses and case studies by leading researchers in language policy studies reveal that deterministic relationships between imperial languages, such as English, and societal hierarchies are untenable, and that support of vernacular languages in education and public life can serve diverse ideologies and political agendas. Areas and countries investigated include Europe, North America, Australia, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. The role of theory in language policy scholarship and practice is critically evaluated. A variety of research methodologies is used, ranging from macro-sociopolitical and structural analyses to postmodern approaches. The work collectively represents a new direction in language policy studies.

This book explores the ideologies, policies, and practices of English language education around the world today. It shows the ways in which ideology is a constituent part of the social realities of English language teaching (ELT) and how ELT policies and practices are shaped by ideological positions that privilege some participants and marginalize others. Each chapter considers the multiple ideologies underlying the thinking and actions of different members of society about ELT and how these inform overt and covert policies at the national level and beyond. They examine the implications of investigating ELT ideologies and policies for advancing socio-political understandings of practical aspects such as instruction, materials, assessment, and teacher education in the field. Introducing new persepctives on the theory and practice of language teaching today, this book is ideal reading for researchers and postgraduate students interested in applied linguistics and language education, faculty members of higher education institutions, English language teachers, and policy makers and planners.

'[P]erhaps the best analysis of the English-only movement in the US and the ramifications worldwide of language policies favouring English ...It displays a dazzling grasp of the many meanings of language and the politics that underlie language policy and educational discourse.' Stanley Aronowitz, City University of New York 'In the present political climate, racism and classism often hide behind seemingly technical issues about English in the modern world. The Hegemony of English courageously unmasks these deceptions and points the way to a more humane and sane way to discuss language in our global world.' James Paul Gee, University of Wisconsin, Madison The Hegemony of English succinctly exposes how the neoliberal ideology of globalization promotes dominating language policies. In the United States and Europe these policies lead to linguistic and cultural discrimination while, worldwide, they aim to stamp out a greater use and participation of national and subordinate languages in world commerce and in international organizations such as the European Union. Democracy calls for broad, multi-ethnic participation, and the authors point us toward more effective approaches in an increasingly interconnected world.

This book examines how neoliberalism finds expression in foreign language textbooks. Moving beyond the usual focus on English, Pau Bori explores the impact of neoliberal ideology on Catalan textbooks. By comparing Catalan textbooks to English textbooks, this book interrogates the similarities and differences between a minor and a global language in the age of neoliberalism. Drawing on insights from critical theory and critical pedagogy, this study provides a fresh perspective on foreign language textbooks and second language education more broadly. Language Textbooks in the Era of Neoliberalism paves the way for new critical perspectives in language education that will challenge the current hegemony of neoliberalism.

This book examines the role textbooks play in the teaching of dominant and non-dominant (first and foreign) languages in a range of cultural contexts worldwide. Each chapter addresses important issues related to what constitutes "legitimate knowledge", the politics of learning materials, global cultural awareness, competing ideologies, and the development of multilingual literacies. Language, Ideology and Education: The Politics of Textbooks in Language Education comprehensively surveys theoretical perspectives and methodological issues in the critical examination of language textbooks. In particular, it looks at: The Cultural Politics of Language Textbooks in the Era of Globalization The Politics of Instructional Materials for English for Young Learners Ideological Tensions and Contradictions in Lower Primary English Teaching Materials in Singapore Creating a Multilingual/multicultural Space in Japanese EFL: A Critical Analysis of Discursive Practices within a New Language Education Policy The book is primarily addressed to those who teach and research in the areas of Foreign Language Education, TESOL, Applied Linguistics, Language Policy, Critical Pedagogy, and Textual Cultures. Although the book is focused on textbook and materials analysis, rather than evaluation, most chapters discuss implications for curriculum design and materials development and therefore will be relevant to scholars working in those fields.