An Argument for Academic and Educational Attention to Popular Fiction Novels with Multilingual Content, Cultural Diversity, Sociopolitical Depth, and Inspirational Value

Abstract

This article argues for increased academic and educational attention to popular fiction novels whose plots encompass, and whose protagonists embody considerable multilingual content, cultural diversity, sociopolitical depth, and inspirational value. Cultural, linguistic and literary theories and concepts are applied to scholarly life via an analysis and autobiographical application of educational ideals and protagonist traits in popular fiction. Methodologically, tools and tenets of comparative literature let us link conceptual foundations of literature, education and communication in an interdisciplinary manner. Empirically, we reveal how the author performed in worldwide conference keynote presentations, and was evaluated by the organizers in official achievement certificates before, during, and after the global pandemic. The analyzed fiction novels, and their protagonists’ embodiment of cultural values and skills, are recommended for education and professionalism, from language learning over cultural awareness up to professional practice and performance. The conceptual contribution is a reframing of popular literature via heightened cultural, linguistic, social and political awareness. The methodological contribution is the use of comparative literature as a framework for analyzing literary productions side by side with professional life and cultural practice. The empirical contribution is an insight into rhetoric and professional performance as evaluated in official event evaluations. The overall contribution is the correlation of fiction, education and professionalism across academic and artistic activities and categories. The implications range from language learning and intercultural understanding over global travel and international education up to professional engagement and public performance, across language, media and communication forms, and across literary, cultural and political borders.