Abstract

The paper focuses on issues connected with developing university students’ foreign language communicative competence by means of integrating Jane Austin’s literary heritage into the English Language Program. It is difficult to overestimate the significance of Jane Austin’s creative work, which has greatly contributed to the formation of the English classical realism. The accuracy of portrayal of the national character is of great value for international students specializing in the history and traditions of the United Kingdom. Jane Austin’s novels are much admired for their humor and originality, their sudden twist in the storyline, as well as the eloquent language, which is nevertheless easy to understand for the contemporary reader. The author’s novels center round such issues as: romantic relationships, family, love and marriage, pursuit of happiness and women’s place in society. All these characteristics are relevant to and motivating for the young generation. Apart from this, Jane Austin reveals the complexity of her characters’ feelings by means of the inner monologue—a stylistic device invented by the author herself. Moreover, Jane Austin drew society’s attention to the “women’s issue”: women’s education and social standing, which has remained a burning problem. The integration of the author’s literary heritage into the English Language Program will not only motivate students to read, but solve a whole range of digital generation’s issues, i. e.: surface reading, poor Critical Thinking skills, as well contribute to greater awareness of the practical value of reading in the wake of class discussions.

Keywords: Foreign Language Communicative Competence, Jane Austin’s Literary Heritage, Digital Generation, Critical Thinking Skills, Surface Reading, Inner Monologue, International Students, English Classical Realism