중학교 2학년 영어 교과서의 문화 내용 분석

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze multicultural content in the second grade of middle school English textbooks. To proceed with the research, 5 textbooks published in March 2012 have been selected. Human races and countries from pictures and illustrations, and multicultural content in the textbooks have been analyzed according to Bennett's multicultural content classification. The findings of this study are as follows: First, the majority of the characters in the textbooks are Caucasian and Mongolian. This indicates that the biased description could lead students to the assumption that certain races represent the whole of culture. Second, all of the countries in the textbooks are classified as follows: Korea, English-speaking countries, and non-English-speaking countries. There is no significant difference in the frequency of appearance between Korea and English-speaking countries, and non-English-speaking countries. However, Asian countries from which multicultural families come only take up 12.4%, which is markedly low in percentage. Third, in terms of multicultural content in the textbooks, the results show that the acceptance and appreciation of cultural diversity takes up 29.3%. Human dignity and universal human rights, responsibility for a world community and reverence for the Earth take 25.%, 12.1% and 12.1% respectively. The results suggest that although the content of textbooks certainly includes cultural differences, Asian culture is not sufficiently introduced. Only one out of five textbooks deals with Indian shadow puppet show and Chinese traditional fairy tale. Moreover, multicultural families are shown in only one unit from two textbooks. Korean culture, such as seasonal rice cake, its traditional lifestyle, and the beauty of Hangeul, and British and American culture take up the majority of content in the textbooks. In conclusion, more diversity in human races and countries needs to be presented in order to teach students cultural diversity.