Relevance of English language textbooks to Turkish learners of English in Antalya

Abstract

This study explores to what extent Turkish learners of English identify with the orientation of cultural content of English language textbooks used in their English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes. The study took place at a Teacher Training High School in Antalya, a Mediterranean city and capital of the Antalya province. The participants were 10th and 11th grade English and non-English majors selected on a voluntary basis by the co-operating teacher. Data were collected through a survey examining students’ perceptions and ideas about the relevance of textbooks to their lives. Descriptive statistics were employed during the analysis. The findings indicate that the cultural content of the mainstream English language textbooks being used in Turkey is of little relevance to the reality of Turkish learners. Turkish learners of English seem to suggest that the content incorporated in English language textbooks should correspond to their cultural reality. Based on the findings, a series of pedagogical implications for future study are provided.