Social semiotic multimodal analysis of a German as a foreign language textbook : unpacking cultural representations

Abstract

This study conducted a social semiotic multimodal analysis to determine Schritte International’s cultural representations of the people living in Germany. Schritte International has been a longstanding German as a Foreign Language textbook used in Maltese state schools. This analysis was performed using the original MIRROR framework, with emphasis placed on modes incorporated in the textbook as well as its social references. The primary findings of this study revealed how Schritte International predominantly depicts certain characteristics of people living in Germany. Specifically, the study determined that Schritte International provides a selective portrayal that reflects dominant essentialist ideologies.