Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis, gender representation,
cultural representation, EFL textbooks, Merdeka Curriculum.
E. This study investigates how gender and cultural representation are
constructed in two Indonesian English as a Foreign Language (EFL)
textbooks, English for Nusantara and Bright: An English Grade 9, by
examining gender representation, gender stereotypes, gender identity, cultural
representation and the interaction between textual and visual elements in
shaping ideological meanings. Employing a qualitative research design, the
study uses Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis (MCDA) supported by
qualitative content analysis. The data comprise reading texts, dialogues,
illustrations, learning activities, and other multimodal components from the
two Grade IX EFL textbooks. Data were analyzed using Fairclough’s Critical
Discourse Analysis, Kress and van Leeuwen’s visual grammar, and theories
of gender representation, cultural identity, and intercultural communication
to interpret the ideological meanings embedded in verbal and visual modes.
The findings reveal that both textbooks generally align with the objectives of
the Merdeka Curriculum by promoting intercultural awareness, cultural
diversity, and character education, although they reflect different ideological
orientations. English for Nusantara emphasizes Indonesian cultural identity
and cultural representation through meaningful contextualization, whereas
Bright offers broader international perspectives while presenting local culture
in a more symbolic manner. Both textbooks demonstrate progress toward
gender equality by portraying male and female characters in diverse
educational and social contexts, although subtle gender inequalities persist in
occupational representation, leadership roles, and character visibility.
Overall, the study concludes that EFL textbooks function not only as language
learning resources but also as ideological instruments that have the potential
to shape learners’ understanding of gender, culture, and national identity.