The concept of “hidden curriculum” refers to the unwritten lessons and cultural values embedded in educational materials, particularly in English Language Teaching (ELT). This phenomenon can significantly affect students, especially in countries like Pakistan where English is a foreign language. Textbooks often emphasize the culture of native English speakers, marginalizing the cultural identities of non-native learners. As students engage with materials that celebrate foreign cultures while neglecting their own, they may develop a sense of cultural inferiority, undermining their identity and belonging. Research supports this, indicating that the content of ELT textbooks influences students’ self-perception and societal attitudes.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2498469/how-the-hidden-curriculum-in-english-textbooks-shapes-minds