Reni Puspitasari Dwi Lestariyana, Tsabita Rosaria Qonnita, Nunung Suryati
Purpose – This study explores English language teachers’ perceptions of cultural representations in Cambridge English language textbooks. The sample textbooks were Cambridge English Student’s Book 3 and Cambridge English Student’s Book 3A. Design/methodology/approach – Kachru’s three-circle model and Moran’s 4P framework (which focuses on products, practices, perspectives, and persons) were used to analyze the cultural values articulated by the participants embedded in two international textbooks as well as Fairclough (1995) approach to explore how cultural meanings the participants reported are conveyed through linguistic forms. Findings – The teachers reported that the two textbooks primarily emphasized the culture of the “inner circle” countries, with limited representation of cultures from the “outer” and “expanding” circles. Additionally, the participants noted that certain materials in both textbooks, Cambridge English Student’s Book 3 and Cambridge English Student’s Book 3A, could be adapted for use in expanding circle countries by replacing foreign cultural elements with local ones while balancing both Anglophone and non-Anglophone cultures. Originality/value – Investigating teachers’ perceptions of cultural representations in Cambridge English textbooks is essential because teachers as silent partners for language textbooks impact on language learners’ cultural awareness and intercultural competence. Teachers’ insights are worthy of close investigation since they directly influence how cultural content is mediated in classrooms. This study supports culturally responsive English language teaching. © 2025 Emerald Publishing Limited
Department of Research and Publication, PERIISAI Center for Social Science Research, Banyuwangi, Jawa Timur, Indonesia; Department of English Language Education, Faculty of Letters, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, Jawa Timur, Indonesia; Department of English Education, Faculty of Education, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia
