The study of literature as a resource for second language acquisition
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Date
2016
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
This paper emanates from an earlier study, which examined the views of
Namibian Grade 11 and 12 teachers of English as a Second Language
(ESL) on the use of English literature in ESL classrooms. The aim of the
paper is to present the rationale and conceptualisation underlying the
significance of the use of literature to improve general language
proficiency levels of students. The study is based on the Learner Centred
approach which is related to the communicative theory to learning and
teaching. The implication of the paper is that literature should be taught
conscientiously by language educators to enhance learner proficiency in
language classrooms. The benefits of literature in an ESL classroom are
multidimensional; which include, among others; attainment of pragmatic
(social language use) skills, grammar and vocabulary expansion,
extensive reading motivation, intercultural awareness, language skills
and critical thinking skills. This was also supported by the findings of the
study in which a significant number of the respondents agreed that the
study of literature had an important role to play in language acquisition.
Description
Keywords
Literature, Language, Communicative, Learner-centred
Citation
Simataa, A.A., & Nyathi, S.F. (2016). The study of literature as a resource for second language acquisition. JULACE: Journal of the University of Namibia Language Centre, 1(1), 87-98.