Cebu International EFL Conference

Abstract of paper

Author

Brenda F.C. Basiga, Ed.D.
Classroom Teacher, Edmonton Public Schools
Sessional Lecturer, University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Title
Teaching English as a Second Language through Literature

Language is a social construct.  It is learned through interaction with others, with social structures and with social forces.  It allows one to communicate with others, and it plays a key role in the development and the maintenance of culture (Avison and Kunkel 1987 p. 51).  However, in this age of accelerated globalization, language, specifically the English language has also become an instrument in the evolution of various cultures.  Although there is a feeling of security in using one’s mother tongue among relatives and friends, Filipinos have had to learn English to deal with economic matters, with the acquisition of information and learning, with different social concerns and with global citizenship.

As a global citizen with Filipino roots, I would like to share
some of my experiences in learning English.  As well, with formal training in teaching English and as a teacher in a country whose multi-cultural society is composed of citizens learning English as a second language, I am in a good position to impart some strategies that have been effective in my teaching. 

Teaching English through literature is the most natural
approach to teaching the language.  Not only does the method develop a love of learning itself, but it also immerses the learner into a rich repertoire of experiences through a variety of literature genre.  This facilitates an appreciation for and the acquisition of the English language.

This paper talks about assumptions a teacher has to consider in teaching English as a second language through literature.  It also suggests practical strategies I have used successfully.  Learning English in this paper refers to being able to listen to, speak, read and write English, while literature refers to a body of written works produced in [English] (Mirriam-Webster 1989, p. 698).