A Critical Discourse Study of Cultural and National Identity (Re)Construction in Taiwanese High School EFL Textbooks
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| Title: | A Critical Discourse Study of Cultural and National Identity (Re)Construction in Taiwanese High School EFL Textbooks |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Xiaochen Hua (ORCID |
| Source: | Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education. 2025 46(4):433-448. |
| Availability: | Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 16 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Secondary Education High Schools |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Secondary School Curriculum, High Schools, English (Second Language), Textbook Evaluation, Patriotism, Reference Groups, Agenda Setting, Cultural Influences, Textbooks, Textbook Content, Ideology |
| Geographic Terms: | Taiwan |
| DOI: | 10.1080/01596306.2024.2412596 |
| ISSN: | 0159-6306 1469-3739 |
| Abstract: | In foreign language textbooks, cultural representations embedded in texts and images not only facilitate the acquisition of linguistic knowledge but also construct ethnic or political identities. Over the past century, the mainstream ideology in Taiwan has changed due to the rotation of ruling parties and generational shifts. This change is also evident in contemporary English-as-a-Foreign-Language textbooks. In light of this emerging issue, this study employed critical discourse analysis to examine three sets of textbooks that are widely used in high schools in Taiwan. The study reveals that textbooks produced in Taiwan generally: (1) highlight the indigenous culture of the island, (2) extensively depict contemporary Taiwanese celebrities, specialties, and natural landscapes, (3) embellish the period of Japanese and Dutch-Spanish colonisation, and (4) strategically differentiate between 'China/Chinese' and 'Taiwan/Taiwanese'. The findings expose the Taiwan-centric perspective of the textbooks while downplaying the significance of the national title -- 'the Republic of China'. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1485681 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | In foreign language textbooks, cultural representations embedded in texts and images not only facilitate the acquisition of linguistic knowledge but also construct ethnic or political identities. Over the past century, the mainstream ideology in Taiwan has changed due to the rotation of ruling parties and generational shifts. This change is also evident in contemporary English-as-a-Foreign-Language textbooks. In light of this emerging issue, this study employed critical discourse analysis to examine three sets of textbooks that are widely used in high schools in Taiwan. The study reveals that textbooks produced in Taiwan generally: (1) highlight the indigenous culture of the island, (2) extensively depict contemporary Taiwanese celebrities, specialties, and natural landscapes, (3) embellish the period of Japanese and Dutch-Spanish colonisation, and (4) strategically differentiate between 'China/Chinese' and 'Taiwan/Taiwanese'. The findings expose the Taiwan-centric perspective of the textbooks while downplaying the significance of the national title -- 'the Republic of China'. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0159-6306 1469-3739 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/01596306.2024.2412596 |
