Cultural Imperialism in ELT: A Systematic Literature Review of the Research on EFL Textbooks in Iran

This systematic literature review examines the manifestation of cultural imperialism in English Language Teaching (ELT) textbooks used in Iran, addressing the ideological, pedagogical, and sociopolitical implications of locally produced and internationally imported materials. Through a rigorous analysis of ۱۰ empirical studies published between ۲۰۲۰ and ۲۰۲۴, the study explores three key research questions: (۱) Which textbooks have been analyzed in the Iranian context? (۲) What methodologies have been employed to investigate cultural imperialism? and (۳) To what extent do these materials reflect culturally imperialistic content? Findings reveal a dual dynamic: government-approved textbooks (Prospect and Vision) emphasize Islamic-nationalist ideologies while marginalizing intercultural competence, whereas global textbooks (e.g., Interchange and Top Notch) propagate Anglo-American neoliberal values, often at the expense of local cultural representation. Qualitative content analysis dominated the reviewed studies, highlighting gaps in methodological diversity and theoretical framing. The review underscores the need for "glocalized" materials that balance local identity with global perspectives, as well as teacher training programs to foster critical engagement with cultural content. By synthesizing these insights, the paper contributes to ongoing debates about cultural hegemony in ELT and proposes actionable strategies for material developers, policymakers, and educators in Iran and similar contexts.

کلیدواژه ها:

cultural imperialism ، ELT textbooks ، Iran ، neoliberalism