The Role of English Literature in Enhancing Speaking Skills among EFL University Students

Abstract

This study investigates the role of teaching English literature in enhancing students’ speaking skills, focusing on how literary texts can be used to promote oral communication in English. The research addresses the persistent challenge of limited oral proficiency among English as a foreign language (EFL) learner, who often struggle with fluency and confidence despite having adequate linguistic knowledge. The study adopts a descriptive analytical method to explore how literature-based instructional strategies, such as discussions, debates, and role-plays, provide authentic communicative opportunities. For data collection, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to a sample of (20) university teachers of English language at Omdurman Ahalia University, chosen randomly to ensure representative perspectives. The findings reveal a strong consensus among educators regarding the pedagogical value of literature; 95% of respondents agreed that teaching literary styles and fiction develops diverse speaking techniques and creative expression. The results validate the hypothesis that integrating literature into language teaching significantly contributes to the holistic development of speaking skills by blending creativity with communication. Ultimately, the study provides insights for teachers to implement literature as a vital tool for fostering linguistic and cognitive growth in the EFL classroom.