Analysis of cultural representations in translated literary works taught in IBDP Language A

Abstract

The International Baccalaureate Program, Language A: Literature (Turkish) course aims to “make students respect different cultural perspectives and help understand how these perspectives shape meaning” (IBDP, 2011). In order to achieve this aim, there is an obligation to read and analyze translated works in lessons. This study examines the cultural representations found in two sample translated works, Madam Bovary and Fathers and Sons, which are frequently studied in the Language A: Literature (Turkish) courses of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. These translated works were analyzed through the method of content analysis within the framework of Standards for Foreign Language Learning designed by the US Department of Education and National Humanities in 1996 and adapted by Yuen (2011). During analysis, the cultural representations in these works were tabulated under the titles of person, product, perspective, practice, and were labeled according to the cultures they represent. The results of the study indicated that western and European cultures, especially France and Russia are predominantly represented in these translated works. It was also found that other cultures had little representation. The results of this study have implications for teachers as to how to approach such literary texts studied in the Language A: Literature (Turkish) courses considering the related objectives of the IBDP program.