Taoist Approaches to the Shakespearean Sonnet: an examination of an innovative approach to teaching verse to non‐native speakers of English

Abstract This paper discusses a pilot project which explores an innovative approach to teaching language skills to non‐native speakers of English. The project began when the authors considered whether a non‐verbal approach to ‘difficult’ texts (based on exercises drawn from Tai Chi Chuan & Qigong) can help students who are non‐native speakers of English. In this paper the authors describe the development and implementation of a workshop given at the Universidade do Algarve to Portuguese students majoring in English. This workshop was given to students of differing levels and provided students with a physical approach to several Shakespearean sonnets. Throughout this pilot study data were recorded in a number of ways. The information gained from this process was then collated and analysed using an approach based on Comparative‐Emergent Qualitative Research Method. Given the size of this study our findings are obviously limited and more research is necessary before more definitive statements may be made con...