Investigating the cultural and identity parameters in the seventh grade English language textbook (Prospect 1)

The present study investigates the cultural and identity parameters manifested in the seventh grade English language textbook (Prospect 1) at Iranian schools. The primary focus of the study was on the characters, locales, apparel, foods, drinks, and professions presented in the book. The analysis of this textbook was based on content analysis, interview with 8 teachers and 12 domain experts in language teaching who had taught and analyzed the book respectively. The results of this analysis showed that the authors of the book were not successful enough in communicating and manifesting the cultural points in the book. The whole book was designed based on the Iranian local culture, as explicated by the Iranian Ministry of Education,shying away from the international cultural points. In addition, most of, if not wholly, cultural and identity issues of Tehran were highlighted and the parameters of other ethnicities and cultures were marginalized or totally neglected. Based on the findings achieved, some guidelines are provided at the end of the paper.