Speech Genres and Authenticity: a Study of Portuguese Textbooks in South Korea

This study presents an examination of the speech genres selection and the authenticity of textbooks published in South Korea for teaching Portuguese as an additional language. The research focuses on three key instructional materials: “Conversando em Português – Intermediário B1” (Talking in Portuguese – Intermediate B1, 2020), “Português: material didático padronizado – B1” (Portuguese: Standardized Teaching Material – B1, 2020), and “Português em Cena: Audiovisual na sala de aula – Intermediário” (Portuguese on Stage: Audiovisual in the Classroom – Intermediate, 2021). Adopting a qualitative and interpretative research approach, the study applies analytical criteria adapted from Jerônimo, Barboza & Ribeiro (2013), examining: (a) the representation of speech genres within the textbook units; (b) the level of authenticity in the content; (c) the integration of speech genres and texts in exercises, activities, and pedagogical tasks; and (d) the design elements that contribute to the comprehension of the didactic approaches employed. The findings reveal the coexistence of theoretical teaching approaches that align to varying degrees with contemporary Applied Linguistics studies in Brazil, reflecting distinct perspectives on language instruction in the classroom.