Reading literary texts in the FL classroom : enjoyment or difficulty of translation

Abstract EN

For many literary text readers, this kind of discourse is a source of enjoyment and stimulating imagination.

However, readers in FL may face difficulties in understanding vocabulary and translating the words into their native language.

Therefore, this can reduce their desire and the feeling of happiness they may experience when reading novels, short stories, and drama.

In this regard, teachers, in the FL classroom, have to be aware of the criteria of selecting literary works according to the age and level of their students in order to create balance between text enjoyment and FL learning via these texts.

So, the present article focuses on highlighting the characteristics of the literary text; recognising the difficulties of translating it; and the role of the teachers in developing the students' translation strategies to enjoy reading this type of texts.