Investigating the Role of the Text by which Religious Practices are Projected in the Local and Imported Textbooks

Abstract

The current study is an attempt to notice and compare the results of foreign and local religious practices present in selected Pakistani and imported English textbooks prescribed for students of Punjab (Pakistan). The content analysis was employed to find out the percentages of categories and subcategories of reading passages and exercises of the prescribed English textbooks in this research. For relevant data collection, an eclectic model was devised as some of the major categories with slight modification were taken from Stern, H.H. (1983) model in which he proposed six aspects of culture teaching. While in the formation of sub-categories the researcher has employed his own teaching experience. Religious performances are separated into five subcategories equally in the two textbooks such as religious beliefs and rewards, politeness/courtesy/good manners, sacrifice, rituals/festivals and moral ethics. Results and findings of the study indicate that the Oxford textbook has not included a single text reference to a primary or secondary religious action occurring in contemporary target or native life and society.