Cultural representation in foreign language textbooks: A scoping review from 2012 to 2022

This scoping review aims to examine the literature regarding cultural representation in foreign language textbooks. This review identifies eight research foci by systematically mapping and synthesizing 62 studies spanning from 2012 to 2022. In addition, it reviews theoretical/conceptual frameworks, methodologies, and implications for stakeholders involved in cultural representation studies in foreign language textbooks. This study reveals a tendency for some cultures to be either overlooked or misinterpreted. It observes that textbooks often represent culture implicitly rather than explicitly, and notes changes in research foci and methodologies over time. The review highlights the need for two principal enhancements in the realm of textbook research: firstly, to better bridge the nexus between research and practices; secondly, to address the somewhat fragmented nature of research endeavours in this field by taking steps towards interdisciplinary, intersectional, interactive, and intersubjective approaches. Implications for future research are also provided.