Illustrating Morals: How EFL Textbook Represents Character Values through Pictures

Abstract

The objective of this research was to investigate pictorial representation of character values found in English for Nusantara EFL textbook. This research was a qualitative research. The researcher collected the data from English for Nusantara EFL textbook, a textbook that designed for seventh grade students. The researcher then reduced the data into a table. As a final step, the researcher then analysed the data by using a Pradana’s framework. The result of this research revealed that there were 71 pictorial representation of character values found in the textbook. The most frequent character value was informative (29). It was then followed by friendly (27) and appreciation (13). The least frequent character value was religion (2). Friendly behavior encourages openness and inclusion, exemplified by a simple greeting between students. Informative values focus on sharing knowledge clearly and effectively, enhancing understanding. Showing appreciation fosters gratitude for others' interests, which helps strengthen relationships. Religion emphasizes spiritual practices, such as prayer, fostering mindfulness and unity in everyday life. These values collectively represent the textbook's strategy for integrating character education into language learning.