Inclusion or Illusion? A Critical Content Analysis of Global Citizenship Concepts in Jordanian EFL Textbooks

Authors

  • Emad Khlaif Qublan

    Faculty of Educational Sciences, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
  • Ruba Fahmi Bataineh

    Faculty of Educational Sciences, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i5.9667
Received: 13 April 2025 | Revised: 20 April 2025 | Accepted: 25 April 2025 | Published Online: 28 April 2025

Abstract

This study explores the presence and portrayal of global citizenship concepts in the Jordanian EFL textbook, High Note 11, using the Oxfam Global Citizenship Education Framework. This framework outlines three key dimensions of global citizenship: knowledge and understanding, skills, and values and attitudes. Through a qualitative content analysis, the authors examined all utterances in the textbook to assess the integration of these global citizenship concepts. The findings indicate a significant emphasis on communicative skills, particularly in promoting interaction and engagement, which aligns with the goals of EFL curricula. However, the textbook falls short in addressing critical concepts such as social justice, equity, human rights, and civic engagement, resulting in an imbalanced representation of global citizenship. While concepts, such as sustainable development and environmental awareness, are relatively well covered, the categories of ethical values and deeper cognitive engagement are marginal. The study calls for more comprehensive integration of global citizenship values across the textbook to prepare learners not only to use English proficiently but also to think critically and act ethically in a globalized world. The study concludes with implications for textbook developers, curriculum designers, and educators, encouraging a more holistic approach to language education that fosters global awareness and responsibility.

Keywords:

Content Analysis; EFL; Global Citizenship; High Note 11; Jordan; Textbook Evaluation

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How to Cite

Emad Khlaif Qublan, & Ruba Fahmi Bataineh. (2025). Inclusion or Illusion? A Critical Content Analysis of Global Citizenship Concepts in Jordanian EFL Textbooks. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(5), 459–469. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i5.9667

Issue

Vol. 7 , Iss. 5 (May 2025): In progress

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Article (This article belongs to the Topical Collection on "Linguistic and literary aspects of 20th Century Literature in Albania and founders of Albanian comedy: Critical perspectives")

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Copyright © 2025 Emad Khlaif Qublan, Ruba Fahmi Bataineh

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