E-lifestyle in EFL Course Books: Case Study of Top Notch Series

Abstract

Different issues and themes are being raised in EFL course books with miscellaneous illustrations here and there among the exercises and readings. This study aimed to analyze the content of a popular EFL course book in terms of priming what has to be called “Electronic Lifestyle” (or “E-lifestyle”). Following one of the biggest twists of the past century pioneered by “Global Village” metaphor of the Communications theorist Marshal McLuhan (1964) and considering American Heritage Dictionary (2009), the term can be defined as “a way of life or style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person or a group in relation to electronic advancements” (“lifestyle”). Henceforth, the study attempted to analyze the visual and textual modes of presenting E-lifestyle and reflect on its traces (especially in terms of targeting computer-oriented way of living) in the 6-volume Top Notch series. As a result, the researchers found various noticeable forms and footprints of electronic lifestyle depicted throughout the mentioned series. Thematically, they majorly include using technology for E-shopping (using the internet to buy and sell products) and E-reservation, on-line communication, and using electronic resources and database in research affairs. Based on the findings of this study, it seems that E-lifestyle shapes a considerable rate of what ELT course book writers have thought is necessary for the learners of English to master in the cybernetic age.