Literature, a tool in language learning

Literature is considered to be a way of integrating knowledge in foreign language classrooms because it is perceived as a tool to reinforce the linguistic competences and the critical thinking. But is it possible to use literature to teach English in a holistic way? Learning a foreign language contributes to the learning of cultural, artistic, academic and linguistic elements that cannot be isolated from each other. That is the reason why literature is the best and most effective way to teach a language.

In the first hand, it is important to mention that as a future teacher it’s imperative and indispensable the use of literature in the classroom. Most of teachers integrate this tool just as a way to teach vocabulary and culture, but the fact is that motivation and the use of innovation create a new perspective when teaching English. I am a literature lover and I know that this tool can be used from initial stages (children) to advanced levels (adults) allowing teachers to motivate and engage students to a current process of reading and writing.

But, what about creativity and speaking? Is it possible to reinforce these competences through literature? Of course, literature is a broad way to explore language. To continue with the last perception, as a teacher I would encourage my students to perform a play, to write some original compositions such as aa tale, a poem etc., to do a didactic fair in which each group of students shows a complete and dynamic description of their favorite book. Therefore, literature provides teachers and students a large quantity of materials to use as books plays, audiovisual aids between others.

To conclude, it is necessary to say that is not enough the acquisition of linguistic components when teaching a foreign language. The idea is to motivate students to learn and to literature has diverse options to accomplish this objective.