USING LITERATURE IN EFL CLASSES

Abstract

This article emphasizes the benefits of using literary texts in EFL classes. Literature can be the content of the course itself or can be used as a resource to teach English language. While teaching the second language, grammar and vocabulary activities can be presented and promoted through different genres of literary texts. As literary texts are highly rich both in content and language, short stories, novels, poems and plays can be used as authentic materials to help language learners to discover another culture in EFL classes. While studying literary texts in language classes, students’ language awareness is expanded as they encounter different usages of language. Lazar (1993) states that for language acquisition, literature is a stimulus for students. Therefore, it is just impossible to deny the linguistic efficacy of using literary texts in language classes; appropriate literay texts need to be selected and presented to language learners in EFL classes.