Teaching English as a foreign language through literature

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study is to examine how students can acquire the language via using literary texts. The study has two major foci: (1) using short stories in teaching English as a foreign language, (2) using poetry in teaching English as a foreign language. These two sections mentioned above deal with how each genre should be used with ample examples and follow up exercises, all of which are included in. the appendices. The study was conducted through a "case" analysis in which the implementation of literature is explained by giving examples of class situations. The methodology reflects qualitative interpretation of the data collected during real-life teaching experiences of some teachers and textbook writers as well. Using literature as a medium to teach English has a positive effect on the students as far as their learning, motivation, and performance are concerned. During the study, it has been found out that the students were more interested in reading and interpreting the literary work than when they were working with their usual textbooks. They were more eager to participate in the speaking activities and the writing activities than they were when they were doing the exercises in their usual textbooks. The increased student motivation encouraged more students to participate both in speaking and writing exercises. The same result was not obtained while the students were carrying out the exercises in their textbooks. The feedback received from the students was highly positive favouring literary works over regular textbook readings. Literature never fails to be a motivating material for students, which iş more interesting, authentic, and suitable when the students are in the language learning process, and thus enhances the language acquisition of the students.