Some people believe that it is more important to teach children the literature of their own country than other countries. Do you agree or disagree?

It is argued by some people that local literature is of greater importance in children’s education 1than foreign literaturecompared to foreign literature. From my perspective, I disagree with this view since both types of literature 2play equally important rolesplay equal roles in the development of children.

On the one hand, 3works of local literaturelocally written works 4offer students numerous benefitscome with numerous benefits to students. Firstly, these 5literary workspieces of art can enrich 6students’ abilitystudent’s skills to use their own language. Indeed, 7by studying literature in their mother tonguethrough learning literature of their mother tongue, students can learn 8how to use their language effectivelythe art of using the language such as 9flexible vocabulary choicesthe flexibility in the vocabulary highlights used, 10sentence structures, and different ways to convey ideasthe syntax of sentences, different ways to convey ideas. Hence, linguistic knowledge will gradually be built up and benefit the students not only in their 11studiesstudy but also in social communication. Secondly, national literary works give students an insight into their own culture. For example, through traditional literature, namely fairy tales, legends and fables, students can become familiar with their traditions, 12traditional expressionsnative terms 13and national valuesand also national values which have been passed down from generation to generation. As a result, they will naturally develop a sense of national identity and patriotism.

On the other hand, studying foreign literature is also advantageous for the following reasons. To begin with, it gives learners opportunities to expand their horizons by showing them 14a broader view of the worlda bigger picture of the outside world. Having access to 15accounts of foreign history and cultureforeign historical events and cultures, commentaries on politics, society, and stereotypes in literature 16from other countriesfrom countries abroad will foster students’ awareness of the diversity of the world. Additionally, the students will be equipped with 17broader knowledgea broader range of knowledge to help them be 18better prepared for today’s globalized worldmore prepared for the globalized world that we are living in today. To be more specific, the students will have a grasp of the culture of foreign countries and how to adapt themselves in terms of manners, customs or behaviours 19if they live in a new environment or deal with foreignersif they live in that new environment or dealing with foreigners.

In conclusion, it seems to me that there is a need to teach both local and foreign literature at schools so that students can 20develop in a well-rounded waydevelop comprehensively.