A Multi-Nodal Approach to Teaching Literature-In-French at Tertiary Levels

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to propose solutions to the problems posed by the teaching of Literature-in-French to the Anglophone learner who has not gained mastery of the appropriate collocations, registers, jargons and expressions that can adequately describe an experience, an emotion or a philosophical position as to be able to analytically engage in the debates or polemics raised by the author of a literary text.Methodology: The methodology used is explanatory and historical in which the brief account of French language teaching and its importance to the Nigerian economy is traced; the foundational teaching at the secondary and teacher training levels and French teaching for special purposes are fundamental to mastery and ability to communicate and engage in literary analyses, which is the major discourse. The teaching of French is explored and the practice of traditional approaches is juxtaposed with the innovative multi-nodal approach, developed from the author’s over thirty years of tertiary teaching.Findings: The findings are that a multi-nodal approach to teaching Literature-in-French to Anglophone learners will improve their linguistic and communicative abilities and is a predictor of better achievement in French.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: This research has proposed a multi-nodal technique for teaching Nigerian students whose limited lexical and syntactical competencies in French do not allow for elaborate analysis of literary subjects. The implication for teaching literature-in-French is that it will be theory based, the type that falls within the experience of learners and that they can discuss with ease. The multi-nodal approach comprises of other innovative activities like translation, comparative study, computer-aided learning, students’ participation in roles plays, skits and in particular the use of easy-to-read texts. All these activities combined should enable an all-round achievement in French language and literary performance