Abstract:

The spread of English language throughout the world had led to its status as a global lingua franca. English language teaching (ELT) should help learners develop their awareness and understanding of multicultural and multiethnic societies around the world. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how intercultural issues are presented in Taiwanese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) textbooks. The methodology focuses on content analysis.

Two themes are examined in these EFL materials:
(1) the status of English language and its relation to globalization and
(2) intercultural understanding.

Results found that the textbooks promote the positive illustration of the dominant role of English in a globalized world and legitimate American and British English as the standard forms of language. Most of the texts are limited to specific regions. Most content focuses on achievements, life experiences, and perspectives of the dominant groups in the United States, Great Britain, and Europe.

Keywords:

Textbook analysis, world English, intercultural understanding, high school.