September 2007 Volume 11, Number 2
	Contents   |   TESL-EJ Top

Grammar Texts and Consumerist Subtexts

M.E. Sokolik
UC Berkeley, California, USA
<editortesl-ej.org>

Abstract

While several checklists exist for the evaluation of ESL/EFL textbooks, none includes suggestions for looking for specific biases, especially those found in the content of examples and sample sentences. Growing awareness in publishing has reduced problems in the presentation of gender-based and racial biases in most ESL/EFL grammar textbooks, but socio-economic bias still persists. This article looks at example sentences taken from several recent grammar textbooks, and discusses the potential impact of socio-economic bias and the promotion of consumerism in these books.

Keywords: EFL, ESL, grammar, syntax, pedagogy, textbooks, consumerism, bias

Full Article (HTML)  |  Full Article (PDF)