Integrating Literary Studies into English Language Teaching: Enhancing Critical Thinking and Communicative Competence

Abstract

This study examines the integration of literary studies into English Language Teaching (ELT) as a pedagogical approach to improve EFL learners' critical thinking and communicative skills. This research used a qualitative descriptive methodology to investigate the role of literature—encompassing genres such as poetry, plays, short stories, and novels—as a conduit for linguistic enhancement, cultural awareness, and cognitive engagement. We got the data via watching classes, looking at documents, and doing semi-structured interviews with five EFL teachers and seven students from Indonesian universities. The results show that teaching through literature encourages introspective learning, interpretation abilities, and interaction in discourse. The study finds that including literary texts in English language teaching (ELT) curricula encourages comprehensive language learning, combining language skills, intellectual development, and cultural awareness. There are several things to think about when designing a curriculum and training teachers. This study concludes that integrating literary studies into English Language Teaching fosters not only communicative competence but also critical and intercultural awareness, empowering learners to use English meaningfully and reflectively in diverse global contexts