LITERATURE AS AN INTEGRAL COMPONENT OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING

Abstract

The article examines the importance of literature in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) and its role as a source of authentic texts in the language curriculum. The authors emphasize that literature not only enriches students’ vocabulary, but also contributes to the development of four basic language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Research shows that the use of different literary genres, such as novels, short stories, dramas and poetry, can increase students’ motivation and make the learning process more interesting and effective.

Literature provides students with the opportunity to explore different cultures and emotions, which contributes to the development of their intercultural communicative competence. It also stimulates critical thinking by allowing students to analyze and discuss social issues raised in texts. The use of short stories and poetry in the EFL classroom is particularly beneficial because these genres are easy to understand and encourage students to read actively.

The authors emphasize that the selection of literary works should be adapted to the level of knowledge of students, their interests and age in order to ensure maximum effectiveness of learning. They encourage teachers to use literature as a tool for the development of language skills and cultural awareness, emphasizing that literature is not only a means of learning, but also an important element in the development of students' creative and analytical abilities. The article contains recommendations for integrating literature into the educational process, which can significantly improve learning outcomes.