Teaching Tip: Enhancing Comprehension of Shakespearean English through AI

Michelle Kang, Teacher and Administrator at Saigon International University, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Introduction

Teaching Shakespeare to EFL students can be daunting due to the complexity of Early Modern English. My experience with high school Vietnamese students studying A Midsummer Night’s Dream and As You Like It revealed significant language challenges in grasping the plot and themes. I integrated AI-powered tools into my lessons to address these issues, facilitating a deeper comprehension of the texts.

Background

The unique linguistic structure of Shakespearean English often acts as a barrier for EFL students. Its rich, expressive language and innovative use of vocabulary and grammar (Crystal, 1995; McDonald, 2001) can overwhelm learners, reducing their engagement and achievement in literature studies when exploring complex human emotions and societal themes. To mitigate these challenges, I employed AI tools, which offer interactive and adaptive learning experiences (World Economic Forum, 2024), making Shakespeare’s works more accessible and enjoyable for students.

Using AI Tools to Bridge the Language Gap

AI-powered tools are interactive and provide real-time translation and contextual explanations of Shakespearean text. These tools help students understand difficult words and phrases by offering modern English equivalents and detailed descriptions.

Implementation in the Classroom

1. Pre-reading Activities:

• Before reading the text, I used ChatGPT to introduce Shakespeare to students, as it allowed me to chat with him in real-time. Shakespeare even used the English of his time.
• Then, I moved to essential vocabulary and phrases. Language learning apps like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone are not specific to Shakespearean language; they provide a foundation in English vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, which will be beneficial for understanding Shakespeare's texts.

2. Reading Sessions:

• AI Character Analysis: Students used AI-powered text analysis tools like MonkeyLearn to analyze characters' dialogue, examining their traits, motivations, and relationships.
• AI Shakespearean Language Translation: Students explored AI-powered translation tools like DeepL or Google Translate to translate passages into modern English and discuss how language has evolved.
• Sentiment Analysis of Character Interactions: Students analyzed the emotional tone of character interactions and discussed themes using sentiment analysis tools like MonkeyLearn.
• AI-assisted Literary Criticism: Students explored AI-powered literary criticism platforms like LitCharts or JSTOR Text Analyzer to gain insights into key themes, symbols, and motifs.

3. Post-reading Activities: After reading, students engaged in creative writing with AI, expressed their reflections with AI-generated images, and created virtual Shakespearean performances. Post-reading activities could be extended further using AI's gamification.

Benefits of AI Integration

• Enhanced Engagement: The interactive nature of AI tools keeps students engaged and motivated to learn.
• Improved Comprehension: Real-time translations and explanations help students grasp complex language, enhancing their understanding of the text.
• Increased Confidence: As students become more familiar with Shakespearean English, their confidence in tackling challenging literature grows, encouraging a positive attitude toward learning.

Conclusion

Integrating AI-powered tools into the study of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and As You Like It has significantly improved my students’ comprehension and enjoyment. By addressing the linguistic challenges of Early Modern English, this technology enhances engagement and academic achievement, providing a valuable resource for EFL educators.

References

Crystal, D. (2018). The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language. Cambridge University Press.

McDonald, R. (2001). Shakespeare and the Arts of Language. Oxford University Press.

World Economic Forum. (2024). Shaping the Future of Learning: The Role of AI in Education 4.0. Retrieved June 20, 2024, from https://www.weforum.org/publications/shaping-the-future-of-learning-the-role-of-ai-in-education-4-0/.

Michelle Kang has taught and administered at Saigon International University in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, since 2014. With extensive experience leveraging technology for language learning and teaching, she is dedicated to improving EFL students' achievements and engagement through innovative technological integration.