The Potential Relevance of Using Literary Texts in Algerian EFL Context: The Case of Third Year Undergraduate Students At Abdelhamid Ibn Badis University of Mostaganem

Abstract

Previous research has revealed the influential role of literature in learning English as a foreign language; however, the teaching of literature still faces challenges due to the variation in students’ interests and teaching methods. On this basis, this dissertation investigates how the AlgerianEFL studentsand teachers perceive literary reading opportunities and how exposure to different literary genres enriches the learners’ linguistic repertoire and culturalcompetence. This study alsotried to examine the obstacles encountered by both teachers and learnerswhen dealing with literary texts and the aspects lying behind the students’ carelessness towards literature courses. Thisresearch, in short, highlights the virtues of using literary texts in the EFL Algerian University. It also offers some implications and strategies to boost learners’ motivation and achievement in literature courses, develop their cultural awareness and tolerance towards cultural diversity.