english and literature studies

english and literature studies

The Importance of English and Literature Studies

1. The Evolution of English Language

Any language may be viewed or used through many informative and meaningful manifestations. Introductions have worked hard in providing their own explanations on how language in general began, but the most acceptable view of the English language origin is the Anglo-Frill or Anglo-Norman theory that emphasizes that English, or any other language for that matter, has a Germanic language base. It is the Germanic language that provides the basic structural floor that supports word order, syntax, and phonology. English, as would be expected, borrowed words in the word order rule of the dominant linguistic group. The rule of Germanic word order is preserved in English as a general rub throughout the development of the language. The explanation that English had or has evolved makes meaning to myriad historical developments attributed to the English language, just like any other language can be studied from such diverse disciplines as sociology, anthropology, psychology, political science, history, and economics.

Having been in English language teaching for 17 years with both private professional companies and national universities in Japan, I have had work behind the scenes with English language studies issues, particularly in the universities. It is due to such work experience that has encouraged me to research upon this concern.

English language studies have been done in many universities, of which almost all of them differ in their English usage outcomes. According to the statistics available from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, 92.2% of its students took prescribed English medium courses, but none of them received scores above 80. Ibaraky University, on the other hand, scores around 70 on the TOEFL from time to time, though few students take English medium courses. It is therefore difficult to support that the TOEFL scores are due to the schools’ English usage policies, since almost all students of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies were secondary school and university entrants of the 80th percentile in the national exams required for entry into the universities.

2. The Role of Literature in Society

Some literary authorities believe that reading novels, poetry, and short stories help create emotional resilience and support statesmanship by acquiring and incorporating bravery, ethics, pity, and loyalty into the character of the citizens, while encouraging tolerance for uncertainties. Literature, as in novels and others, has been instrumental in documenting the legacies of civilization. A great deal has been written about what poetry can offer aside from inspiration. In literature, art, craft, and authorship originate in various forms, as well as the correct use of sentences. Literature is also the cornerstone of responsibility and harmonious actions among individuals. Literature sustains unity and friendly joining of persons and ethnic groups. Literature is critical as it extends employment to authors and poets who generate inclusive, educative, and pleasurable materials. Literature underlines the responsibilities of educators in the teaching of youngsters and their sparing in the areas of skill, dialect, and thought. It grows the newly acquired established philanthropic and matured emotions of students and cultures and races. It’s clear that everyone makes use at one point or another of literature. Literature methods have altered with time, but it cannot be overstated that literature cannot do without society. In virtually any language, literature exhibits how people in society could socialize.

Literature is important in tales of individuals and communities. It has an impact on both the personal and political lives of the citizens of every nation. Literature inexplicably provides an intellectual opportunity to relate national heritage, shape speculation, and human understanding of particular regions and ideas that help meet the requirements of a particular group of people in different cultures. A number of writers have said that literature sheds light on various controversies that have not been addressed by other books. Literature differentiates what’s wrong from right with stories and presentations. Instances are Mansfield Park by Jane Austen, which imparted the theme of the love of a son as crucial in the life of the church, while Shirley gave the theme of women’s role in the industrial revolution. Literature promotes spirituality and enables the degree to learn about norms and values. Hence, there is a crying need for the investigation of literature to do due justice to it.

3. Analyzing Classic Literary Works

Furthermore, studying “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” also can help the students to understand some literary concepts. “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” was published in June 1915 in literary journals. It was a very radical and innovative piece of poetry, something much different from the romantic sonnets and churchy lyric echoed in the earlier work of the poet. By studying “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” it means that the students have an interest in tackling difficult poetry. Through relating the poem to other poems and poets, it can help to make sense of what is going on in this intricate poem, dealing with Prufrock’s examination of the complicated nature of truth and the terror about his place in the universe. Before object study, another prefix subject. In gaining a background, the students will learn about the profundities and intellectual surroundings that Prufrock underwent and can also comprehend his complicated mental workings.

Macbeth is a perfect example for studying gender and women. It is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, and the play is based in Scotland where Macbeth was a Scottish general. The main plot of Macbeth is the word from witches to Macbeth that he should be the king, and his journey to make it happen. The story is a very controversial story. If people looked out of the box, they just see tension between aspiration and moral debate, between good people who are just trying to do good and people who think that what they do is the only way to gain the crown. The question has drawn scholarly debates over the centuries; in recent years, the issue has been addressed from a more feminist lens. In our society today, gender issues are becoming a hot topic for the world to discuss, so it is very good for English and literature students to learn Macbeth, since this is a very good play to show the gender and real issues.

4. The Influence of English and Literature Studies on Critical Thinking

Consequently, on learning to evaluate the information, literary works entail different meanings while interacting with the different readers, bring the discourses power into the fore with topics to be discussed beside the critical thinking and awareness of personal development. The results of this interaction give direction to individuals. It also feeds its communal needs, synthesizes their values, and interacts with the other values in the production of a social identity.

As the individuals who are able to criticize and make constructive comments increase in number, they will contribute to the society, and the quality of the society will be improved. Hence, regarding this aspect, it is not an exaggeration to consider Literature classes as a requisite in maintaining the peace in social life, as they can enable our students to evaluate themselves and events with an innovative perspective. Therefore, major personal and social advantages of literature lessons should be important for educators. Literature, aiming to develop a successful lifestyle, becomes a significant means to this end.

In this respect, English classes have significant attributes and they support critical engagements. Besides the language aspect, English language teaching contributes to the other dimensions of the learner, such as social being and identity. The stated dimension is itself an important indication on how English lessons should be realized. In the context of Literature lessons, it is known that more sensibility can be developed in relation to different ways of life, different lives, and different needs from an ideal life.

Since English learners are able to understand and use the English language, they can also apply their knowledge into different contexts. These situations will help and encourage them to express fluent phrasing and explanations on various topics. Eventually, they will become able to make analyses and criticisms. Overall, those learners will be equipped with a capability of critical thinking stage.

5. The Relevance of English and Literature Studies in the Modern World

Furthermore, a true understanding of the English language produces an international person who is able to operate in any part of the world, able to understand and appreciate myriad different cultures, and able to celebrate diversity. Formal study of the English language helps students to understand the language they use today in all its beauty, nuance, and essential elegance. It is widely appreciated that the study of English language and literature often helps students acquire the ability to “write creatively and persuasively” to “express their ideas using good diction and sound grammar”, and even to communicate competently in more than one language. The study of literature, in particular, has long been regarded as an excellent preparation for many careers. Furthermore, graduates with broad knowledge of the international playing fields, and a competence in English, are recognized the world over as diplomatically skilled and effective.

In essence, English is the language of the global market. Some may argue that the French still lead in fashion, and that Spanish is spoken in a great many countries, and that Mandarin and Japanese are two of the most economically robust Eastern economies. Even so, in any global assembly of the United Nations, the business and conversation takes place in English. When representatives go home and report to their governments, they do so in English. Likewise, literature and film from North America and western Europe dominate the cultural scene worldwide. In social media and modern cyber-communication, English is the preferred mode of expression. These are persuasive reasons for the recognized importance of the disciplines of English language and literature. But, in actual fact, English is a global language. It is no longer the domain of any one particular people or nation but is now the language of, among many others, Africa, India, modern-day Persia, the Caribbean, and the entire Oceanic world.