Abstract
M.A. (Applied Linguistics)
There is widespread concern regarding the second language
communicative competence of first year university students.
This inadequacy has necessitated the introduction of special
language courses at various universities. After eleven years
of second language study, and the attainment of good matric
symbols, many students are still not able to converse
adequately. Teachers using cramming methods, especially with
regard to the prescribed books, are often blamed for this.
In this study an attempt is made to demonstrate that the
particular nature of literature makes it a valuable adjunct in
the process of language acquisition. Through this medium
students can gain insight into the cultural-set and world-view
·of those whose language he is studying - hence the requirements
for both psycho- and socio-linguistic input are satisfied.
Recent theories regarding language acquisition place particular
emphasis on the role of the student in the learning process:
Internal factors inclUding attitudinal and personality
tendencies are particularly.relevant in this context. The most
important external factor is the nature of the input itself
for this to effect an optimal impact on the internal aspects
of a student specific requirements must be met, the most important
criteria being interest-value and comprehensibility.
In order to determine whether standard nine and ten setbooks.