LITERATURE IN THE TEACHING_ LEARNING OF A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Abstract

This article discusses the challenges and perspectives of introducing literature into foreign language studies at university level. Although literature is a component in the undergraduate study programs, the students are more motivated to develop their language skills. Thus, they devote less time to reading literature.A major setback in integrating literature into foreign language curriculum is the lack of language competency of students at the beginning of their study programs. Lack of appreciation for literature, in general, due to traditional teaching methods and the stigma attached to it as being a difficult and uninteresting area, also results in the students’ further drawing themselves away from the literature. This paper emphasizes the importance of didactics in literature and training students to cultivate a learning culture that includes appreciating literature in the foreign language lesson.