Review

Contribution of Literature to Language Teaching and Learning

Volume: 10 Number: 1 March 26, 2021
EN TR

Contribution of Literature to Language Teaching and Learning

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to explain the advantages of using literature as a resource in second and foreign language classrooms. To this end, the benefits of integrating literature in language classrooms is first presented within the scope of the following items: a) authenticity, b) cultural awareness, c) thinking skills, d) personal development, e) four basic language skills (i.e. reading, writing, listening and speaking). In the second section, the paper provides information about the significant contribution that different literature genres (e.g. poetry, drama) can make to language learning. The third section of this article highlights the importance of specific criteria (e.g. students’ language level, age, cultural background) for selecting appropriate literary texts to be used in foreign language classrooms. In the concluding section, this paper suggests that, in order to get the full benefit of these advantages, language teachers should be properly trained on the effective use of literary texts, as well. All in all, this paper emphasizes that literary texts, when chosen carefully, considering the features of the target group, and used effectively by well-trained teachers in educational settings, can add not only to the students’ linguistic development, but also to their personal growth.

Keywords

References

  1. Bland, J. (2019). Learning through literature. In S. Garton and F. Copland (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of teaching English to young learners (pp. 269-287). New York: Routledge.
  2. Cambridge advanced learner’s dictionary (2003). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
  3. Chen, Y-M. (2006). Using children’s literature for reading and writing stories. Asian EFL Journal, 8(4), 210–232.
  4. Collie, J., and Slater, S. (1987). Literature in the language classroom. A resource book of ideas and activities. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
  5. Crystal, D. (1987). Child language, learning and linguistics. London: Edward Arnold. Erkaya, O. R. (2005). Benefits of using short stories in the EFL context. Asian EFL Journal, 8, 1-13.
  6. Ghosn, I. K. (2002). Four good reasons to use literature in primary school ELT. ELT Journal, 56(2), 172-179. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/56.2.172
  7. Hall, G. (2015). Recent developments in uses of literature in language teaching. In M. Teranishi, Y. Saito and K. Wales (Eds.), Literature and language learning in the EFL classroom (pp 13-25). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137443663_2
  8. Harris, J., and Mahon, T. (1997). Writing and the use of literature in the English classroom. In P. Falvey and P. Kennedy (Eds.), Learning language through literature: A sourcebook for teachers of English in Hong Kong (pp. 9-27). Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

-

Journal Section

Review

Authors

Publication Date

March 26, 2021

Submission Date

April 13, 2020

Acceptance Date

July 1, 2020

Published in Issue

Year 2021 Volume: 10 Number: 1

APA
Okyar, H. (2021). Contribution of Literature to Language Teaching and Learning. Cumhuriyet Uluslararası Eğitim Dergisi, 10(1), 330-343. https://doi.org/10.30703/cije.719796

14550                 

© Cumhuriyet University, Faculty of Education