National and Global Identity Perspectives of Textbooks: Towards a Sense of Global Identity

Abstract

Textbooks can change, shape, and affect the formation of identity of those who learn the target language rather than teaching the language. In this study, the textbooks determined by the Ministry of National Education and used for English lessons in public high schools were analyzed with the content analysis method in terms of national identity and global identity elements. The study included textbooks and workbooks used in state high schools’ all grades. The data show that the books used as a textbook in public high schools, except 10th grade contain global identity elements more than national identity elements. Another important finding is that the 10th grade English textbook includes elements of national identity more than global identity elements. The results of the current study show that the textbooks prepare language learners for a global identity but also help them create a national identity in state high school, Turkey.