Why teach literature in the English classroom

Laburpena

From time to time the need or value of teaching literature in the language class has been questioned. This article reviews and qualifies the arguments for and against teaching literature before defending such teaching on three grounds: 1. literature can enhance language learning at primary level since the cognitive processes of young learners are particularly adept at dealing with narrative structures; 2. literature written in the target language or translated into the target language may give learners insight into other non-target language cultures, thus preparing them to act competently and appropriately in future dealings with representatives from those cultures; 3. literature¿s contents may well be truer to life and more relevant to learners than typical textbook topics.