Creative Writing As A Tool For Enhancing Algerian Efl

Creative writing in EFL: Creative writing has begun to gain its popularity in the field of EFL/ ESL. This issue is recently mostly intrigued the interest of many countries including, United Kingdom, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, Ireland, United States and south Africa (Google Trends, 2015). Alan Maley is considered as one of the pioneers in the field of teaching creative writing in EFL settings. He, in fact, has numerous scholarly articles on creative writing in teaching English on famous teaching- related journals and websites. As an illustration, it is worth mentioning one of his websites entitled Teachingenglish.org.uk operated by British Council and BBC. Those who are beginners in using creative†¦show more content†¦He added that creative writing motivates learners to consider literature in the second language. (p. 103). A survey conducted among 50 leading ELT professionals by Maley (2009) to explain the purpose behind the incorporation of creative writing with aesthetic reading in language teaching environments. The questionnaire survey’s results that took place in 2006, suggested four areas which are positively influenced through the use of creative writing in EFL teaching and they are listed as follow: A- Creative writing assisted the learners in language development at the level of grammar, vocabulary, phonology and discourse. B- The students have got the opportunity to play with language. In other words, students are free to express their feelings, ideas, thoughts, interest, and needs in English as they do in their mother tongue. At this point, we can say that learners can be more engaged in the process of writing by allowing them to deliver an authentic voice. C- The development of second language personality. D- Emphasize on the right size of the brain. E- The development of creative reading. F- The development of expository writing. G- The increase of self- esteem and self- confidence. Concerning this latter, motivation, indeed, plays an important role in EFL teaching and learning. As such, creative writing can be a beneficial strategy in increasing student’ self-esteem and