ssrn-4725816 (1)
ssrn-4725816 (1)
ssrn-4725816 (1)
Andi Asrifan
Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidenreng Rappang, Indonesia
[email protected]
ABSTRACT
This study explores the significant impact of integrating literature into English language education, focusing
on its benefits for enhancing cultural understanding, developing language skills, and fostering critical
thinking among learners. Literature, as a multifaceted tool, not only enriches the educational experience by
stimulating students' imagination but also deepens their engagement with the English language through a
contextualized learning approach. The research findings highlight positive perceptions from both students
and teachers regarding the incorporation of literary texts in language learning. These stakeholders point out
the effectiveness of literature in promoting creativity, imagination, and a deeper appreciation of diverse
cultures and values. Furthermore, the study demonstrates how literature facilitates the improvement of
essential language skills, including vocabulary expansion, grammar comprehension, and the enhancement
of speaking and writing abilities. By presenting complex language structures and rich vocabularies within
meaningful contexts, literature serves as a powerful medium for language proficiency and communication
skill development. The study concludes that literature is indispensable in English language education,
advocating for its integration into the curriculum to not only improve language learning outcomes but also to
equip students with a broader cultural perspective and critical thinking skills.
Keywords: Literature, Language, critical, imagination
1. INTRODUCTION
The use of literature in language teaching traces back to the 19th century. The dominant
method of language teaching at that time was grammar translation and the most popular technique
was the translation of literary texts into the target language. Literary works provided supplementary
materials for grammar practice, vocabulary learning, and translation (Liaw, 2001). Since the advent
of the structural approach to language and the popularity of direct and audiolingual methods,
literature has fallen out of use in language classes. Even with the introduction of CLT
(Communicative Language Teaching) literature was neglected and omitted from the language
course syllabus. One influential figure in the field of literature, Maley (2001), cites the lack of
empirical research in support of literature's facilitative role as the main reason for the negative view
of literature.
However, starting from the mid-1980s, interest in literature as a teaching resource resurfaced
and continues to this day. This can be seen from the publication of textbooks on the role of literature
in the classroom (e.g. Duff and Maley, 1991; Gower and Pearson, 1986; Hill, 1986; Lazar, 1993;
Maley and Duff, 1989; McRae, 1991), but there is still controversy about the use of literature for the
purpose of (English) language teaching and learning. Many EFL (English as Foreign
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This research uses descriptive qualitative methods. The concept of qualitative research is
related to exploring or digging deeper than events, circumstances or events as phenomena that
occur in the field. The data used is in accordance with the facts that occur in the field (Creswell &
Creswell, 2018). Data were collected using interviews, observations and documents. Observation
was done through direct observation of students and teachers. The data analysis technique
consists of three steps, namely data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. Data
reduction is the process of selecting, focusing on simplifying, abstracting, and transforming rough
Literature provides deep insights into cultural norms, helping students understand cultural
differences and similarities. Literary integration enriches vocabulary, improves grammar
understanding, and develops speaking and writing skills. From this analysis, students are invited
to think critically, analyzing characters, plots, and themes with a critical point of view.
In the results and discussion section of this study, the role of literature in English language
education emerges as multifaceted, significantly impacting students' cultural understanding,
language skills development, and critical thinking abilities. The analysis reveals that literature, when
effectively integrated into the curriculum, serves not only as a medium for linguistic improvement
but also as a catalyst for cultural immersion and cognitive development. This dual function of
literature in language learning underscores its value beyond mere language acquisition,
highlighting its role in fostering a deeper, more nuanced engagement with both the language and
its cultural contexts.
The empirical data and interviews with English teachers corroborate the notion that literature
enriches the language learning experience by providing students with authentic, context-rich
linguistic input. This exposure to varied linguistic structures and vocabulary in meaningful contexts
4. CONCLUSION
The investigation into the role of literature in English language education has underscored its
significant impact on enhancing cultural understanding, language skills development, and critical
thinking among learners. This study has illuminated the multifaceted benefits of integrating
literature into the English language curriculum, demonstrating that literature is not merely an
ancillary component but a pivotal element in fostering a comprehensive and enriching learning
experience.
The positive perceptions of both students and teachers regarding the incorporation of literature
into language learning highlight its effectiveness as a pedagogical tool. Literature's capacity to
stimulate creativity, imagination, and introduce learners to diverse cultures and values is
particularly noteworthy. These findings affirm the argument that literature serves as a bridge,
connecting learners with complex linguistic structures and rich vocabularies in meaningful contexts,
thereby facilitating a deeper engagement with the language.
Moreover, the study has revealed that literature's contribution extends beyond language
proficiency. By engaging with literary texts, students are encouraged to think critically and
empathetically, enabling them to navigate and understand the complexities of different cultural
perspectives and human experiences. This aspect of literature in education is invaluable in
preparing students for the globalized world, where intercultural competence and communication
are increasingly important.
In conclusion, the integration of literature into English language education emerges as a
powerful strategy to enrich language learning. It not only enhances linguistic skills but also fosters
critical thinking and cultural awareness. Given these findings, educators and curriculum developers
are encouraged to incorporate literature into language teaching practices more systematically.
Future research should continue to explore innovative methods for integrating literature in language
education, ensuring that learners can reap the full spectrum of benefits that literary texts have to
offer.
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