Dear Colleagues,

 

Embarking on the journey of language acquisition through literature opens a door to an immersive and multifaceted experience that transcends conventional learning methods. Literature serves as an invaluable guide, not just for grasping linguistic intricacies, but for navigating the cultural, historical, and emotional landscapes that shape a language. In the realm of novels, poems, and plays, language enthusiasts can find themselves immersed in a complexity of words, where vocabulary flourishes and idioms come to life. This dynamic encounter enriches their linguistic repertoire and offers them an understanding of expressions that goes beyond the rigid confines of textbooks.

The power of literature, however, extends beyond the mere acquisition of linguistic elements. It acts as a cultural bridge, providing learners with a holistic perspective on the social, historical, and contextual dimensions of a language. Through the lens of literature, learners gain insights into the values, traditions, and societal complexities that influence the way a language is spoken and understood. This contextual understanding not only deepens language proficiency but also fosters cultural sensitivity among learners, which is crucial for effective communication. Moreover, literature engages readers emotionally, creating a connection that extends beyond grammatical structures and introduces learners to the subtle art of communication in a new language, both formal and colloquial.

In essence, literature transforms language acquisition into a process in which learners navigate the linguistic and cultural landscapes that appear in the book. The pages of a novel become a portal, offering an authentic and holistic approach to learning that leaves an imprint on both language proficiency and cultural appreciation.

Considering this, the “Literature for Language Learning” section collection of the journal delves into the potential application of literature for language education, aiming to bring together ideas for innovation in language learning and teaching from a broad perspective. We welcome contributions describing applications of different literature forms for language learning at any stage of education, proposals for language teacher education, systematic reviews or meta-analyses that contribute to the progress of knowledge about new ways of teaching languages through literature. In short, this section collection seeks to share the potential of literature for language learning.

Looking forward to your nice contributions.

Francisco Javier Palacios-Hidalgo

Section Editor

Language learning and teaching; Bilingual and multilingual education; Literature; Literature in language learning and teaching; Literature studies; Innovation in language teaching and learning; Language teacher training; Socially and Culturally Responsive Language Teaching