Journal Article

A Comparative Analysis of Global English Textbooks in Terms of the Notion of English as an International Language

Çam, Esra, Sali, Pinar

2025

Overview

The global spread of English in recent decades has raised important questions about the long-standing dominance of nativespeakerism ideology in the field of English Language Teaching (ELT). Current research on ELT materials critically examines the prevalent approach that prioritizes the inner circle countries, their use of English, and their cultural values. These studies also emphasize a growing demand for a broader perspective that integrates both local and global diversity. However, this integration appears to be minimal and remains a relatively underexplored area in current ELT resources. The present study aims to address this gap, analyzing two global textbooks widely used for teaching English in Türkiye: Language Hub Elementary and English File Fourth Edition Elementary. The analysis was conducted within the notion of English as an International Language (EIL) based on Kachru's framework known as the Three Concentric Circles of the English Language. The findings of the analysis revealed that both textbooks fall short of representing the wide range of uses of English and its diverse users worldwide. Language Hub Elementary takes a more inclusive approach by including a variety of characters, accents, and cultural elements from the expanding circle countries. However, English File Fourth Edition Elementary shows clear bias towards inner circle characters, their use of standard language, and elements of Anglo-Saxon culture. The rich tapestry of local cultures in the countries of the outer circle is absent from both books. Similarly, Language Hub Elementary lacks any Turkish cultural elements, while English File Fourth Edition Elementary only offers limited coverage. The findings of this study emphasize the need for more inclusive and culturally diverse ELT materials in a global context and have important implications for both material designers and ELT scholars.

• Publisher: Bartin University, Faculty of Education
• Subject: Accentuation / Characters / Communication / Comparative analysis / Comparative Education / Cultural values / Culture / Curricula / Dialect Studies / Dominance / Education / Educational materials / Educational Resources / English / English (Second Language) / English as a second language instruction / English as an international language / English language / Foreign language learning / Global local relationship / Instructional Materials / Intercultural Communication / International languages / Language Dominance / Language Teachers / Language textbooks / Language usage / Multiculturalism & pluralism / Mutual Intelligibility / Native Language / Native Speakers / North American English / Old English / Second Language Learning / Sociolinguistics / Standard Spoken Usage / Teachers / Teaching / Textbook Evaluation / Textbooks / Tourism / Turkish / Turkish language / World Englishes