teaching english trough culture
LEARNING ENGLISH CULTURE THROUGH ITS LITERATURE
“The decline of literature indicates the decline of a nation”
(Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
The English language is viewed as the international language of the world. Many people are learning it as their second or third language. To be the international language, the English language must have the qualities that bring it to a world standard for its uniqueness, was called English literature. According to Solzhenitsyn (n.d.), “literature becomes the living memory of a nation.” Through the transmitting of literature from generation to generation, much literature such as poetry, drama, sonnet and novel are remembered until today. Especially, the nation of England was cultivated by the innovation of literatures throughout many centuries which have huge influences over other languages around the world.
As many people are learning English language as their second or third language, it is especially important and easier for them to acquire it through learning English literature. In second language classrooms, teachers are assigned to teach not only the language itself, but also the culture of the target language. Cultural competence helps students in developing their understanding of the social variables such as age, social classes, and religions that influence the ways in which people speak and behave. Then, language learners will blend into the actual target culture. Hence, English literature will provide language learners to be competent in learning both the English language and its culture.
Relation of language and literature
Language and culture have a strong interdependent relationship and must be acquired together, as one supports the other in the construction of communicative and social competence. Bennett, Bennett and Allen (2003) stated, “The person who learns language without learning culture risks becoming a fluent fool” (p.237). The importance of developing intercultural communicative competence
“The decline of literature indicates the decline of a nation”
(Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
The English language is viewed as the international language of the world. Many people are learning it as their second or third language. To be the international language, the English language must have the qualities that bring it to a world standard for its uniqueness, was called English literature. According to Solzhenitsyn (n.d.), “literature becomes the living memory of a nation.” Through the transmitting of literature from generation to generation, much literature such as poetry, drama, sonnet and novel are remembered until today. Especially, the nation of England was cultivated by the innovation of literatures throughout many centuries which have huge influences over other languages around the world.
As many people are learning English language as their second or third language, it is especially important and easier for them to acquire it through learning English literature. In second language classrooms, teachers are assigned to teach not only the language itself, but also the culture of the target language. Cultural competence helps students in developing their understanding of the social variables such as age, social classes, and religions that influence the ways in which people speak and behave. Then, language learners will blend into the actual target culture. Hence, English literature will provide language learners to be competent in learning both the English language and its culture.
Relation of language and literature
Language and culture have a strong interdependent relationship and must be acquired together, as one supports the other in the construction of communicative and social competence. Bennett, Bennett and Allen (2003) stated, “The person who learns language without learning culture risks becoming a fluent fool” (p.237). The importance of developing intercultural communicative competence
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