Literature in ELT Setting: Students⿿ Attitudes and Preferences Towards Literary Texts

Abstract

Abstract This study analyses the importance and the role of literary texts in EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learning and teaching contexts. The study focuses on the theoretical assumptions and practical implications of using literary texts in the context of teaching and learning English as a foreign language. The study discusses the pedagogical benefits and potential drawbacks of using literary texts and it includes a survey of students⿿ attitudes towards using literary texts. The target population is a group of 53 students of English language and literature, who are non-native speakers of English and whose future career is teaching English as a second or foreign language. The survey examines students⿿ attitudes towards the criteria for text selection in EFL contexts, including the most appropriate genre and text type, the language used of literary texts, the relevance of literary texts and the impact on students⿿ beliefs and personal life, as well as representations of culture presented in literary texts. In addition, the survey also focuses on the aspects of the literary texts which present difficulties for the students. The analyses of the findings indicate that the majority of language learners prefer prose to poetic texts. It can be concluded from the findings that topics relevant to students also increase their interest and engagement. The study presents suggestions and recommendations related to text selection. The study offers recommendations related to teaching procedures and opportunities for language learning provided by the text.