Experiencing poetry in the language classroom / Angeline Ranjethamoney Vijayarajoo

This paper looks at the benefits of introducing and using poetry in the language
classroom. The authors suggest that students experiencing literature is far more
beneficial to L2 learners than just 'studying' it, as is the accepted and
traditionally practised approach in exam oriented systems. In the traditonally
practised approach of 'studying' literature, the purely linguistic arena is tackled.
The authors' suggestion of 'experiencing' Literature involves not only the
linguistic but non linguistic arena which will be more enriching ta an
individual. This paper makes references to the Theory of Multi-Dimensional
Mental Representation which is clearly present in Ll reading and should be
encouraged and nurtured in L2 reading. This will very likely achieve more
enriching and rewarding outcomes amang L2 learners.