Language-Based Approaches to Understanding Literature: A Creative Activity Module

Abstract

Literature is often viewed as an uninteresting subject due to its structural complexity and unique use of language. Thus it may not attract students in developing their interest towards it. This article discusses the teaching of literature using language- based approaches to help students to explore the literary text and enhance their language skills. The purpose of this article is to provide creative suggestions on teaching literature to motivate and facilitate students in learning and appreciating literature. Creative activities are used to explore the short story entitled The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant. Students are engaged in exploring the text in a fun and creative way. The creative activities allow them to discover how the language of the text works and the intended message. A framework for language-based approaches for teaching literature to ESL learners is also provided. The activities are categorised based on the four main skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, and focus on areas such as general understanding, theme, setting, characterization, language, and point of view. The activities can be adapted by teachers according to the students’ level of proficiency and other literary texts brought into the classroom.