Literature has always played an essential role in the EFLC. Students have always had to deal with complicated and challenging works of literature. And not only in their native language, but also in their second language. It is considered that in this way they can improve their competences and language skills. But it is also believed to raise intercultural awareness by reading, for example, African literature. Most of the literature that is chosen for being read in school consists of known classic literature such as Shakespeare, Goethe or other white and male writers.
All you see in today's world is literature about love, about science fiction, and so on. African literature was not about that, of course there are a bunch of writings about that. But that's not the main theme of the literature. African literature is dealing mostly with situations or themes that occurred or are occurring in their culture. The first writings from that time were about slavery and especially about its suffering and the pain that slaves had to go through. It is mostly about the experience of living in a segregated society. This paper will examine how important African literature is. It has to be mentioned that African literature is not the only, but one of many possibilities of literature that can be used.
Since it is not easy to discuss African literature in general, this essay will focus mainly on the novel Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. This book is meant to be representative for the African Literature. My teacher recommended this novel to us in my school days when we read Mother to Mother by Sindiwe Magona. This term paper will investigate the potential of this book
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Teaching Literature in an EFLC
2.1 Why We Should Teach Literature in School
2.2 Raising Awareness of Identities
2.3 Conclusion
3. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
4. Subjects to Discuss in The Classroom
4.1 Discrimination
5. A Teaching Proposal
5.1 A Fictional Teaching Unit
5.2 Detailed Teaching Grid
5.3 Reasoning
6. Reflection
Objectives and Core Themes
This academic paper explores the pedagogical necessity and potential of integrating African literature into the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom. It particularly investigates how Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel "Americanah" can serve as a powerful tool to foster intercultural awareness, empathy, and a nuanced understanding of identity and discrimination among students.
- The educational value of teaching literature in EFL classrooms
- Fostering intercultural competence and empathy through reading
- Analysis of identity, migration, and discrimination in "Americanah"
- Development of a practical teaching unit for secondary school students
- The role of digital media and blogs in literary analysis
Extract from the Book
2.1 Why We Should Teach Literature in School
Every teacher has to ask him- or herself “What can my students learn from it?”, while choosing the material they are going to work with in class. Literature can help students to learn and to develop their understanding of other cultures. Literature teaches awareness of ‘difference’ and helps to develop tolerance and understanding. Literature helps improve the process of language learning and is also culturally horizon-expanding. It gives the reader in the second language classroom the opportunity to take a real glimpse at a society. This makes it easier for them to absorb and process information. It is much easier to learn about culture and a language when it has a “pretty package” like an interesting storyline. Books transport students into stories. According to Collie and Slater, students "inhabit" the text. As literature provides a wide range of possible texts while offering authentic content and texts, it has become an important component of English language teaching (Collie and Slater 1987: 3). This allows them to concentrate on and engage with the development of the story most effectively. They can often empathize with one or more characters. In this way, they deepen their understanding of the story. Literature that is read is often real-world centred and puts students in problem situations that they can relate with.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The introduction establishes the vital role of literature in EFL education and introduces "Americanah" as a representative work of African literature for classroom use.
2. Teaching Literature in an EFLC: This chapter highlights the pedagogical benefits of using literary texts, such as building empathy and expanding cultural horizons, and emphasizes raising awareness of multidimensional identities.
3. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: This section provides a synopsis of the novel, detailing the experiences of the protagonists Ifemelu and Obinze as they navigate life in America, England, and Nigeria.
4. Subjects to Discuss in The Classroom: This chapter identifies the major themes of the novel, focusing specifically on how discrimination and identity crises can be addressed in an academic setting.
5. A Teaching Proposal: This section outlines a pedagogical model for a secondary school teaching unit, including lesson structures and the use of digital blogging tools to enhance student engagement.
6. Reflection: The reflection synthesizes the arguments, reaffirming that literature helps students overcome prejudices and develop confidence as critical readers and citizens.
Keywords
African Literature, EFL Classroom, Americanah, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Intercultural Awareness, Identity, Discrimination, Empathy, Teaching Proposal, Migration, Diaspora, Pedagogy, Cultural Competence, Literacy, Blog Analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this academic paper?
The paper examines the importance of incorporating African literary works, specifically Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's "Americanah," into the English Foreign Language learning curriculum to promote cultural competence.
What are the primary themes analyzed in the text?
Central themes include migration, racial identity, the struggle with discrimination, and the formation of self-identity within diverse cultural settings.
What is the main objective of using "Americanah" in a classroom?
The goal is to provide students with a deeper understanding of real-world societal challenges, foster empathy, and encourage critical reflection on their own identity and prejudices.
Which teaching methodology is suggested by the author?
The author proposes a student-centered approach, utilizing key excerpts of the novel rather than the entire text, and implementing creative tasks like blog writing to engage students actively.
What does the main body of the paper cover?
The main body covers the theoretical framework of teaching literature, a detailed summary and analysis of the novel's themes, and a concrete, multi-lesson teaching plan.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include EFL Classroom, African Literature, Americanah, Identity, Discrimination, Teaching Proposal, and Intercultural Awareness.
How does the work suggest using digital media in learning?
The paper suggests analyzing the blog posts written by the novel's protagonist to help students grasp the emotional aspects of racial experience and to connect to modern, real-world blogging practices.
Why does the author advocate for using only excerpts of the novel?
Given the book's significant length, the author argues that focusing on key passages is more efficient and pedagogical, allowing for intensive engagement with the most relevant motifs.
- Citar trabajo
- Anonym (Autor), 2019, Teaching Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s "Americanah" in an English Foreign Language Classroom, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1244984
