Introducing Literature in the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom: an approach to culture, language and personal growth through the dystopian novel "Brave new world" (1932).

Abstract

In recent years, many studies have led the spotlight to the use of literature as a resource in the EFL classroom. Research has shown that literature provides a rich basis for students to learn not only linguistic aspects, but also personal values -so necessary- and the cultural sphere. Hence, it has been empirically proved that literature offers a myriad of possibilities to be considered a valuable resource in second language learning. This paper aims at reviewing some considerations about literature in language teaching throughout history and in the present practice, and also at showing a didactic proposal which illustrates an example of the use of literature in the EFL classroom. The proposal will work on personal, linguistic and cultural aspects through the classic dystopian novel Brave New World (1932). Since this paper intends to pose an educational improvement, the implementation of the didactic unit and suggestions for improvement based on the implementation will be also detailed. Finally, to show more accurately the results of the proposal and their effect on the students, a questionnaire for the pupils has been designed. The students’ answers will help to shed light on the idea of literature as a valuable resource for the EFL classroom.