A study of the effects of teaching literature on improving students’ second language attitudes

Mohammad Khatib, Hossein Askari

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate if teaching simple (not simplified) literary texts in university classes as their General English course-book can affect students’ attitudes toward their L2. In view of this, a study was designed and conducted at Safashahr Azad University. Sixty-one freshmen learners (studying English as their General English) participated in the study. Ten short stories were taught as the course content of the GE in the experimental class. Short stories ranged from 106 words to 2294 words. “A General English Course for University Students” (Birjandi and Jaberi, 2005) was taught in the control group. The results showed that using literature in English classes brings positive effects on students’ L2 attitudes. Using authentic simple literary texts in GE classes seemed to create a learning environment in which students were willing to participate in class interactions, which helped learners form a more positive attitude towards English.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)37-45
Number of pages9
JournalInternational Journal of Applied Linguistics and English Literature
Volume1
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2015
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2012, Australian International Academic Centre PTY LTD. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • General English
  • L2 attitudes
  • Literary texts
  • Literature

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Language and Linguistics
  • Linguistics and Language
  • Literature and Literary Theory

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A study of the effects of teaching literature on improving students’ second language attitudes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this