THE ROLE OF LITERATURE IN MULTILINGUAL CLASSROOMS

Literature plays a crucial role in multilingual classrooms by supporting language learning, fostering cultural awareness, and enhancing critical thinking skills. Through exposure to a variety of literary texts, students improve their language proficiency, comprehension, and creativity. Additionally, literature serves as a bridge for understanding different cultures, encouraging inclusivity and empathy among learners from diverse linguistic backgrounds. It also strengthens critical literacy by helping students analyze texts and articulate their thoughts effectively. This paper explores the significance of literature in multilingual education, emphasizing its influence on language development, identity shaping, and cross-cultural understanding. Furthermore, it discusses effective strategies for incorporating literature into multilingual classrooms to optimize learning outcomes for both language learners and native speakers.