SEXISM IN ENGLISH TEXTBOOKS: A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS

The present study aims to analyze the unit 4B of the English as Second Language Book American English File, entitled “That’s a cool car!”, in terms of critical discourse analysis, based on Fairclough 2003’ theory. The author proposes that social practices are built by a system of ideologies that supposedly represent society. In this perspective, applying CDA’s theory to the unit, it will be possible to visualize how the language chosen by the book’s authors shape social practices, concerning the theme of sexism in teaching English. The main focus of this analysis will be considering Fairclough’s concepts of Ideology and Assumptions, where through discourse it is possible to identify the disseminated assumption that women prefer cars for their colors and practicality, whereas men prefer fast and expensive cars, which propagates an ideology of sexism. Finally, adaptations of exercises are presented in order to develop students’ critical thinking about this matter.