English Linguistics, Literature, and Language Teaching

Description

A closer look at literature and language reveals that both are inextricably linked. This close relationship is clear, as literature seems to presuppose language. Therefore, it is unthinkable to discuss literature without language reference. However, there is evidence that literature and English are treated as two separate school subjects, based on traditional practices at the secondary school level in the Nigerian context. At the secondary level, subjects are taught in various classrooms by teachers designated as literary or English teachers. Through this dichotomy, literary teachers focus primarily on teaching the socio-cultural, economic, and religious meaning of stories, content, and prescribed literary texts, with less emphasis on the linguistic elements of the text.

In the end, it turned out that some students worked very well on the literary test, but not on English. Against this background, this paper assumes that the relationship between literature and language is symbiotic. Therefore, it is suggested that relationships need to be investigated and used to improve the effective education and learning of literature and English at the secondary level.

This gives learners a high level of proficiency in using English and is ultimately a great help. Addresses seemingly poor academic performance at secondary and tertiary levels in Nigeria. Several suggestions have been made for effective education and learning of literature and English.