Why Literature Matters in Language Learning: History, Theory, and Practice

This article examines literature's multifaceted role in language education through historical, theoretical, and practical lenses. It first offers a historical overview, highlighting literary texts as central tools in diverse linguistic traditions, including Arabic and Slavic contexts. Theoretically, it analyzes Carter and Long's influential cultural, language, and personal growth models. Practically, it outlines effective pedagogical strategies like graded readers, extensive reading, and the cognitive role of subvocalization. The study concludes that literature is indispensable for fostering linguistic proficiency, cultural awareness, and critical thinking, offering a holistic approach to language acquisition.