A new model of literary competences and the revised CEFR descriptors

Abstract This article presents a new theoretical model of literary competences for use in the language classroom. The work has been both triggered by an unintended consequence of the introduction of the original CEFR in 2001, namely the marginalization of literature teaching, and inspired by the inclusion of literature in the 2018 Companion. It proposes ways to move away from a pure language-based approach to using literature by providing a model for developing literary literacy in the learner. It outlines four basic literary competences, defines each, and illustrates how they can be both used in class and related to the new CEFR descriptors and existing levels.