Using Literature to Learn and Teach Language: the L3 approach

From a teacher's point of view, a lesson based on a literary work can provide an integrated approach to language development which few other approaches can match. A piece of literature can be used to develop all four skills, both receptive and productive (reading, writing, listening, speaking) as well as production skills, comprehension and language awareness, including vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar (the principles of integrated lessons and examples of basic integrated lessons are presented in Section 3).

From the learner's point of view, literature can provide an enjoyable and motivating way to expand vocabulary, to learn how grammar rules are applied, to develop receptive skills, and to provide a model for productive skills. A major bonus is that it provides a window on the target culture in addition to just the language.

In fact, the potential for using literature in the language classroom is limited only by teachers' imagination and creativity in view of their knowledge of the students, the students' own preferences, and the time available.