Changing Authenticity in English Language Textbooks in Hong Kong: An Ontogenetic Analysis

Abstract

: This study investigates the selection and design of authentic material in EFL textbooks from primary to secondary school years in Hong Kong. The analysis of authenticity included three aspects of content choice, namely, choice of topics, text types, and types of interaction. Analysis of the 19 textbooks from Primary 1 to Secondary 4-6 showed that topic choices shift from family to school life at the primary level, then from the school to local society, and finally to global issues at the secondary level. The change in domains of experience is co-instantiated by the change in text types from describing things to recounting experiences, and then to expressing opinions, as well as by the increase of authentic photos and incomplete speech bubbles in simulated interactions. The textbooks were considered well designed in this regard as the ontogenetic changes are generally in accordance with students’ cognitive abilities and contribute to their acquisition of knowledge. However, the analysis also showed several points that arguably need further consideration, such as the inadequacy of non-local themes throughout the school years, and the high ratio of opinion texts and the limited number of visual characters at the primary level.