The Representation of Moral Values Embedded in the EFL Textbook for Senior High School: A Micro-Semiotic Analysis

Abstract

This research investigated what and how moral values are represented in the English textbook for the Tenth-Grade Senior High School students published by the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia by using a micro-semiotic analysis framework proposed by Theo Van Leeuwen. The research is expected to give an in-depth understanding of moral values depicted in the analysed textbook so that such values can be discussed in the teaching and learning process by both teachers and students and to give enlightenment towards the portrayal of moral values for EFL textbook authors and the future researchers. The research analysed pictures and reading texts which embed moral values in the chosen EFL textbook by using Leeuwen‟s micro-semiotic analysis framework which focuses on social practice elements – participants, actions, presentation styles, location, tools and materials, and eligible conditions. The purpose of conducting this research is because an EFL textbook is not merely a curriculum artefact used for teaching linguistic competence but also a tool to promote and deliver moral values that certain societies uphold through its contents such as pictures and reading texts which are, in fact, value-laden materials. The moral values attempted to discover in this research are 17 universal moral values which are adapted by the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture in the 2013 curriculum. Those values are (1) religiosity, (2) honesty, (3) tolerance, (4) self-discipline, (5) creativity, (6) independence, (7) democracy, (8) curiosity, (9) patriotism, (10) nationalism, (11) respect for others, (12) friendliness, (13) peace-loving, (14) love to read, (15) environmental sensitivity, (16) social awareness, and (17) responsibility.