BRIDGING CULTURES: THE ROLE OF LITERATURE IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING

Summary: This article examines the important role of literature in teaching English as a foreign language. The place of literature in teaching English shows that language learning is not limited to grammatical rules alone, but is also rich in cultural context and emotional aspects. Literature, reflecting the living and dynamic side of language, provides learners with rich material for developing language skills, especially in terms of intercultural dialogue and empathy. Works written in different periods reflect different cultures and life experiences, increasing the social awareness of language learners. Thus, the role of literature in teaching English is to make learning richer and deeper by covering not only the technical aspects of language proficiency, but also their cultural, vulnerable and creative aspects. This helps language learners to form a complex worldview and become more open to different cultures. The article examines the role of literature in cultural context, its impact on the development of language and critical thinking skills.