Representations of the Other in Arabic Language Textbooks Taught in Elementary Schools in the Middle East and North Africa

This study uncovers the foreign cultures that are most represented in Arabic textbooks, providing an explanation of why specific foreign cultures are more represented in these textbooks than others. The results of the study indicate that only a small number of Arab countries encourage knowing the other through their Arabic language textbooks. The textbooks that do not include representations of the other were found to be rather reactionary as they merely focus on traditional Arabic texts and Arab culture. The Palestinian curricula, however, were found to incorporate many texts that refer to foreign, mostly western, cultures, including American and European cultures. The textbooks that include representations of the other discuss Western cultures in relation to topics such as science, discoveries, inventions, global sports, events, and religious ceremonies, while rarely taking notice of Eastern cultures, such as Chinese, Japanese, or Indian cultures.

Keywords: The Other, School Textbooks, Arabic Language, Elementary Schools, Middle East and North Africa.