Seltics Journal: Scope of English Language Teaching, Literature and Linguistics Journal
Vol. 9 No. 1 (2026): Seltics Journal: Scope of English Language Teaching, Literature and Linguistics

Interactive Meaning in Visual Images: A Multimodal Analysis of the English for Nusantara EFL Textbook

Soni Ardian Fasya (Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia)
Arif Suryo Priyatmojo (Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
23 Jun 2026

Abstract

This qualitative study employs a multimodal discourse analysis framework developed by Kress and van Leeuwen to examine how visual images in the English for Nusantara Kelas IX textbook construct interactive meaning for ninth-grade EFL learners in Indonesia. The analysis focuses on dimensions of interactive meaning: social distance, perspective, gaze, and modality. A total of 31 images depicting human participants were analyzed. The findings reveal that most images are represented through medium shots (77.41%) and oblique angles (96.78%), tending to position learners primarily as observers rather than symbolically involved participants. Additionally, the use of simplified and stylized visual modality emphasizes visual simplicity while potentially reducing contextual immersion. These findings suggest that while the textbook’s visual design may foreground instructional clarity and content delivery, it may provide fewer visual cues for interpersonal involvement and participatory positioning. The study offers analytically informed recommendations for textbook developers and educators to adopt a more balanced visual grammar that integrates both observational and participatory framing to enhance learner engagement.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

seltics

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Seltics journal contains articles that are taken from analytical-critical studies in the field of teaching English, literature, and linguistics. It can be in the form of research results or conceptual ideas. The research topic of interest include but are not limited to (1) Education in Learning ...