본문 바로가기
  • Home

On the Biases in an English Grammar Book.

  • The Sociolinguistic Journal of Korea
  • Abbr : 사회언어학
  • 2011, 19(2), pp.23-50
  • Publisher : The Sociolinguistic Society Of Korea
  • Research Area : Humanities > Linguistics

Kyung Suk Kim 1

1경기대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

There are many studies which have investigated biases hidden in ELT materials, particularly reading texts. But English grammar books haven't received much attention regarding the issue because their contents are considered as instruments for explaining grammar points. This paper thoroughly examines biases in an English grammar book, Grammar in Use Intermediate(GIUI), with regard to the following two aspects: idealization of the culture of native speakers of English, and gender bias. The findings show that materialism tends to be considered as a norm putting so much emphasis on money. With regard to gender bias, there are mixed results. Males are more dominant than females with respect to appearing as main characters, initiating conversations, and being mentioned ahead of the other gender. Males and females are treated equally in participating at active sports and pursuing various occupations. On the other hand, unethical or unlawful acts are alloted to males overwhelmingly more often than to females. The findings of this study can be used as a list for checking hidden biases in English teaching materials.

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.