Ethnocultural Representations in ELT Video Content: An exploratory diachronic Multimodal Discourse Analysis Across three New Headway Textbook Editions

This research focuses on examining the representations of ethnocultural diversity in video content from three different editions of the same EFL (English as a Foreign Language) textbook, namely New Headway: Pre-Intermediate by Oxford University Press. The study applies a Multimodal Discourse Analysis and adopts a diachronic approach to explore how ethnocultural diversity is depicted and disclose hidden dynamics of power and dominant ideologies within the digital materials under review. The study of the evolution of these representations over time is particularly relevant, as it reflects the shifting priorities of educational materials in addressing the global and intercultural nature of English language teaching. In an era where intercultural competence is increasingly important (and demanded), this study will critically scrutinise how and how often representations of ethnocultural diversity are portrayed in video content while appraising their role in fostering diversity awareness and inclusivity in the classroom. Furthermore, it assesses the pedagogical implications of these portrayals, highlighting their potential to either reinforce or challenge existing stereotypes. Through this action, the research contributes to the broader discourse on the intersection of language education, cultural representation, and the development of global citizenship, in alignment with the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.