IJLTEMAS International Journal of Latest Technology in Engineering, Management & Applied Science (IJLTEMAS) IJLTEMAS 2278-2540 IJLTEMAS 442 10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2026.150900092 ENGLISH Reimagining the Bard in the Language Classroom: An Integrated Pedagogical Framework for Teaching Shakespearean Sonnets In ESL/EFL Contexts Janani K Ms.Poorna Research Scholar (Full-Time), Department of Language, Culture and Society, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Business Studies, School of Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology.Ramapuram, Chennai 600089, Tamil Nadu, India. India Kavitha K. Dr. Assistant Professor (Senior Grade), Department of Language, Culture and Society, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Business Studies, School of Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram, Chennai 600089, Tamil Nadu, India. India 15 9 2178 2184 28 09 2026 03 10 2026 16 10 2026 Shakespearean sonnets; ELT pedagogy; ESL/EFL literature teaching; performance pedagogy; digital literature learning; postcolonial pedagogy; undergraduate English learners Abstract

Sonnets by William Shakespeare are an integral part of English literature; however, because they contain advanced vocabulary and syntax, they are often ignored in English Language Teaching (ELT). This paper attempts to present a case for the incorporation of William Shakespeare’s sonnets in an English as a Second Language/English as a Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) classroom, going beyond the traditional appreciation of these poems by English-literate students. William Shakespeare’s sonnets are helpful in the progress of English students’ linguistic, communicative, and intercultural skills. Research on Integrated Sonnet Pedagogy (ISP) will be presented, covering a range of teaching methods such as Swain’s Output Hypothesis, Krashen’s Input Hypothesis, Affective Filter Hypothesis, transactional theory of reading, and performance-based approaches. Mobile-assisted language learning will also be considered. The focus will be on developing vocabulary and skills related to intonation and pronunciation of poetry. Sonnets will be introduced in a way that reduces students’ affective barriers.

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