Critical Analysis of Cultural Representations in Chinese College English Textbooks: Student Perceptions and Implications for Intercultural Communication

Chenxi Xiong

Authors

Chenxi Xiong Moray House School of Education and Sport, The University of Edinburg, Edinburgh, United Kingdom Author

Keywords:

globalization, English education, cultural representation, textbook analysis, intercultural communication, cultural diversity, cultural aphasia

Abstract

In the context of globalization, English education has become a crucial component of the internationalization of higher education in China. College English textbooks, serving as both academic resources and cultural carriers, reflect the political, social, and ideological contexts of society and often contain biases and stereotypes that influence students’ perceptions of English-speaking cultures. This study aims to critically analyze the cultural representations in Chinese college English textbooks and explore students’ perceptions of these representations. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research utilizes textbook content analysis and student interviews, emphasizing intracultural diversity and challenging stereotypical single perspectives. The findings reveal a tendency toward superficiality and homogenization in the portrayal of foreign cultures, as well as a somewhat monolithic representation of Chinese culture, resulting in "cultural aphasia" in students’ cultural expressions. The study advocates for textbook development that pays greater attention to the complexity and diversity of cultures, promoting more equitable and in-depth intercultural understanding to enhance the quality and effectiveness of language education.

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