The Cultural Component in EFL Textbooks: An Investigation of its Presentation in Spotlight on English Oneand On the Move

Abstract

The present dissertation aims at investigating the teaching of culture in the Algerian EFL Middle School textbooks Spotlight on English Oneand On the Move.For the sake of findingout how the cultural component is presented in the two textbooks. We have evaluatedthem in relation to Anne Brit Fenner’s model (2000). It consists of knowledge, socio-cultural competence and attitude. In this research, the main concern has been to show if the cultural components are portrayed differently in the textbooks under investigation. In order to gather further data, we have relied on a questionnaire as an additional research tool addressed to the middle school teachers. The study combines both qualitative and quantitative methods which are both descriptive and statistical. The results sorted out from our textbook evaluation reveal that there are significant differences between the ways the cultural elements are portrayed in the two coursebooks. Besides, it is also found that the focus of the cultural components differs in the textbooks. In Spotlight on English One, it is knowledge which is mostly focused on. As forOn the Move, there is a gradual movement to socio-cultural competence and attitude since the fourth year Middle School learners have been well equipped with the necessary skills and language mastery all along the four years. Concerning the findings obtained from teachers’ answers and perceptions; they show that Fenner’s cultural elements are presented differently in Spotlight on English Oneand On the Move.