Contribution of Literature to Language Teaching and Learning

Year 2021, Volume: 10 Issue: 1, 330 - 343, 26.03.2021

Hatice Okyar

https://doi.org/10.30703/cije.719796

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

Literature, language teaching, literary texts, foreign language teaching, language skills

Edebiyatın Dil Öğretimine ve Öğrenimine Katkısı

Abstract

Bu çalışmanın temel amacı edebiyatın ikinci ve yabancı dil sınıflarında kaynak olarak kullanılmasının getirdiği faydaları açıklamaktır. Bu amaçla, ilk önce edebiyatın dil sınıflarına dahil edilmesinin getirdiği faydalar şu maddelerin kapsamı dahilinde sunulmuştur: a) otantiklik, b) kültürel farkındalık, c) düşünme becerileri, d) duygusal ve zihinsel gelişim, e) dört temel dil becerisi (okuma, yazma, dinleme, konuşma). İkinci bölümde bu çalışma farklı edebi türlerin (örneğin: şiir, drama) dil öğrenimine yaptığı önemli katkılar hakkında bilgi vermektedir. Çalışmanın üçüncü kısmı yabancı dil sınıflarında kullanılacak olan edebi metinlerin doğru bir şekilde seçilmesine dair dikkate alınması gereken temel kriterlerin (örneğin: öğrencilerin dil seviyesi, yaşı, kültürel deneyimleri) önemini vurgulamaktadır. Çalışmanın sonuç kısmında, belirtilen faydalardan tam anlamıyla istifade edebilmek için dil öğretmenlerine edebi metinleri etkili bir şekilde kullanabilmeleri üzerine kapsamlı bir eğitim verilmesini önermektedir. Genel olarak değerlendirildiğinde, bu çalışma edebi metinlerin, hedef grubun özellikleri dikkate alınarak seçildiğinde ve iyi eğitilmiş öğretmeler tarafından eğitim ortamlarında etkili bir biçimde kullanıldığında, öğrencilerin sadece dilsel gelişimlerine değil aynı zamanda kişisel gelişimlerine de katkıda bulunacağını vurgulamaktadır.

Keywords

Edebiyat, dil eğitimi, edebi metinler, yabancı dil eğitimi, dil becerileri

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