Stylistics in the EFLit Classroom: Using Free Indirect Discourse

Abstract

This article approaches literary discourse from a functional pragmatic perspective, which sees literature as an act of communication. From this angle and from an understanding of the context of language use, Free Indirect Discourse (FID) can be considered as the mode of speech and thought presentation that best expresses the poliphony of voices in a text and, by implication, the multiplicity of perspectives that modern writing has been exploring for various reasons. Although not a modern invention nor specific to English, this mode of writing can be very helpful to the English as a Foreign Literature (EFLit) learner. In the light of recent developments in linguistics, the present study reviews some theoretical models, discusses the stylistic implications of FID in an EFL context, and demonstrates how language and literature can be integrated from a functional perspective in a class intended for sensitising both language and literature learners to the perception, description, and creation of FID.