Author(s): Yuehua Lu

Abstract: The primary school stage marks the foundational phase of English language learning, during which the importance of immersive cultural education for students is self-evident. The cultivation of cultural awareness at this stage has a profound impact on learners’ future effectiveness in English learning and communication. This study is grounded in theories of intercultural communication and textbook evaluation, conducting a comparative analysis of three sets of domestic and three sets of international primary school English textbooks. It examines their similarities and differences in the selection and presentation of cultural content, explores the existing issues and shortcomings in Chinese primary English textbooks regarding the cultivation of students’ cultural awareness, and proposes recommendations for textbook development. The aim is to foster Chinese cultural consciousness and strengthen cultural confidence among students from an early age.

Keywords: cultural awareness; primary school; English textbooks; English teaching

Article Info: Received: 30 Nov 2025; Received in revised form: 26 Dec 2025; Accepted: 30 Dec 2025; Available online: 04 Jan 2026

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.111.1