Study of Cultural Content Appearing in Basic Korean Language Textbooks for Foreigners Volumes 1-1

Abstract

          The purpose of this research is to study how cultural contents are presented in the basic Korean language textbooks for foreign learners to serve as a guideline for developing the production of Korean language textbooks for Thai learners using qualitative research methods in the form of analyzing cultural content in 5 basic Korean language textbooks from 5 language schools in South Korea: 1) 서강 한국어1A (Sogang Korean New Series 1A) 2) 연세 한국어 1-1 (Yonsei Korean 1-1) 3) 서울대 한국어1A (Seoul University Korean Student's book 1A) 4) 이화 한국어1-1 (Ehwa Korean1-1), and 5) 세종한국어1 (Sejong Korean1).

          The research results found that all basic Korean language textbooks for foreign learners share the same cultural content and all of them are linked to the main language content in each lesson. All textbooks focused on presenting cultural content in two main dimensions: lifestyle and product culture. Cultural contents in the textbooks can be divided into cultural topics, including etiquette and the way of greeting, food, tourist attractions, seasons, and holiday activities of Korean people in order to make a good understanding for culturally diverse learners.