LANGUAGE TEACHERS' ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE INTEGRATION OF LITERATURE INTO EFL INSTRUCTION: BLACK SEA REGION (original) (raw)

Authentic, pure literary texts are hardly included in English Language course books in Turkish public schools. This study therefore explores what kind of attitudes the language teachers have towards the use of literature in their classes and also whether the language teachers are willing to use additional literary texts so as to enhance linguistic and cultural efficiency in class. The content analysis of the course books was done in order to examine to what extent literary texts were involved in the materials. A semi-structured interview was held with 33 teachers, currently employed in Ordu, Giresun, Trabzon and Rize in the Black Sea Region. Interviews were tape recorded, and transcribed verbatim. The research shows that most of the language teachers have a positive attitude towards literary texts but the strictly centralized education system in Turkey, also handicapped with various entrance exams, do not allow for adequate incorporation of literature into language classes, and that the English teachers frequently prefer using simplified versions of literary materials for linguistic purposes and practical reasons.  Yrd. Doç. Dr., Karadeniz Technical University.