A1 Journal article (refereed)
Poetry, ideology and heteroglossic realities in language textbooks (2024)

Ali Shah, W., Umrani, S., & Lashari, A. (2024). Poetry, ideology and heteroglossic realities in language textbooks. Language, Culture and Curriculum, Early online. https://doi.org/10.1080/07908318.2024.2342899

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Ali Shah, Waqar; Umrani, Sumera; Lashari, Asaduallah

Journal or series: Language, Culture and Curriculum

ISSN: 0790-8318

eISSN: 1747-7573

Publication year: 2024

Publication date: 19/04/2024

Volume: Early online

Publisher: Routledge

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/07908318.2024.2342899

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/94427

Abstract

Using literature, more specifically poetry in English as F/L2 has grown over time. However, scholars disagree as to whether it makes any difference to language learning or what functions it serves. The purpose of this study is to examine what discourses poetry embodies, what identities it shapes, and whether it can confront dominant ideologies in English language textbooks in Pakistan. Based on Fairclough’s dialectical-relational approach and Bakhtin’s ideas on dialogism and heteroglossia, we analysed 12 Pakistani English language textbooks. Findings suggest poetry texts embody a variety of ideological themes, including linguistic sexism, nationalistic sentiments, and religious and spiritual ethos. These discourses tend to shape learners’ identities. In addition, we also found references to poems that offer learners alternative perspectives and ways of being. In certain poems, for instance, curiosity, questioning, struggle, and recognising truth as a multifaceted entity are evident, allowing spaces for heteroglossia. Using these insights, teachers, curriculum developers and textbook writers will be able to better reflect on their pedagogical approaches and content embedded in textbooks to ensure justice, equality, and inclusion for students from a variety of socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.

Keywords: ideologies; lyric poetry; language teaching; textbooks

Free keywords: poetry; language learning; ideologies; heteroglossia; textbooks

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1