Analysis of Cultural Content on the Beginner-Level Textbooks “Bahasa Tionghoa Zaman Sekarang”

Language learning and cultural learning are inextricably linked to each other. Foreign language learners who are equipped with cultural understanding will possess "intercultural competence," which is essential in cross-cultural communication. In Indonesia, learning Chinese at the beginner level is still highly reliant on textbooks. Therefore, in determining textbooks, teachers must carefully evaluate every cultural aspect for students to know and comprehend while considering appropriate delivery method options. This research analyzes the beginner-level textbook, "Bahasa Tionghoa Zaman Sekarang," which has a specific target audience, namely learners who speak Indonesian as their first language. The aspects analyzed are the cultural content in the textbook and the method of delivery. This qualitative descriptive research identifies the cultural content data presented in the textbook, whose form of culture and delivery are then described and analyzed. The results of the analysis show that the textbook is remarkably rich in cultural content, especially Chinese culture. The cultural diversity of ideas, activities, and artifacts conveyed in various delivery forms within the textbook greatly supports effective learning of Chinese communication to avoid cultural misunderstandings. Considering the evolving culture and the study that has been done, the authors provide several suggestions to develop the textbook used in the future.