Discourse Analysis About The Image Of Japan In High School History Textbook(the PEP 2007 Edition)

History textbook is an important medium to achieve historical education because it contains deep culture and rich spirit both in science and thought. In addition to imparting knowledge about history, history textbook also plays an essential role in forming students’ correct value of history, which is a good way to strengthen students’ patriotism.The history of Japan is an indispensable part in high school history textbook. By studying the discourses about Sino-Japanese relations and the Japan image built in history textbook, we can find that many images of Japan have been fixed, including teacher and learner, murder, shelter, invader and modernization. Those images indicate that the image about Japan built in history textbook is the result of selective memory and social construction. It is also a combination between history and reality of Japan.The conclusion above reminds us that we should pay attention to the following two parts. On the one hand, in compiling history textbook, we should focus on history facts,adding some cultural contents appropriately. In addition, the language should be as object as possible so as to present a true image of Japan to students. On the other hand,in teaching the Sino-Japanese relations, teachers should instruct students to love peace and cherish life. Students should be educated to against any unjust war of aggression,and live their life in today’s peaceful environment.