Contemporary Period in Philippine Literature | English & Tagalog | Literature Unfolded | JC Archives

Summary

This video explores the evolution of Philippine literature from the end of World War II to the present day. It delves into the 'dark period' of literature post-WWII, highlighting themes of suffering and resistance. The script then traces the rise of activism, censorship during Martial Law, the post-EDSA revival of free expression, and the modern-day digital and social media influence on literary works. The summary encapsulates the historical, political, and technological shifts in Philippine literature, showcasing its resilience and adaptation across generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Contemporary period in Philippine literature began in 1945 after World War II, marking a shift from the previous era.
• 😀 The first 20 years were considered a 'dark period' as Filipino writers focused on the brutalities of Japanese occupation, poverty, and wartime struggles.
• 😀 After 20 years, the Filipino literature entered a period of rebirth, with writers becoming more conscious of their art and engaging in workshops locally and internationally.
• 😀 The period of activism (1970-1972) was marked by rebellious youth and journalists who expressed their dissatisfaction with societal conditions through literature and public demonstrations.
• 😀 The period of the New Society (1972-1980) occurred under martial law, with strict censorship, prohibiting topics such as poverty, violence, and critiques of the government.
• 😀 The third republic period (1981-1985) followed the lifting of martial law, with more freedom for writers to explore themes like grief, love, nationalism, and human rights.
• 😀 The post-EDSA period (1986-1995) brought renewed independence for Filipino people, reflected in literature, media, and a shift toward creative freedom in writing.
• 😀 In this period, the role of academic institutions grew, offering creative writing programs and fostering literary development.
• 😀 The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) funded workshops and strengthened the criteria for selecting national literature, promoting multilingual and multicultural works.
• 😀 The 21st century (2001-present) introduced digital and ICT-based literature, including eBooks, blogs, and online platforms, reflecting the evolving tastes and preferences of younger generations.

Q & A

What marks the beginning of the Contemporary period in Philippine literature?

The Contemporary period in Philippine literature began after World War II, specifically in 1945.

Why is the first 20 years of the Contemporary period considered a 'dark period' in Philippine literature?

The first 20 years are considered a 'dark period' because the literature primarily focused on themes of Japanese brutalities, the poverty under the Japanese government, and the hardships faced by guerilla fighters.

What is the significance of the rise of writers' workshops in the Contemporary period?

The increase of writers' workshops both in the Philippines and abroad helped Filipino writers become more conscious of their craft, which contributed to the rebirth of Filipino literature after the dark period.

How did Filipino writers express their activism during the period of 1970-1972?

During this period, youth and journalists became vocal about their dissatisfaction with society. They expressed their activism through literary works and physical protests, such as rallies, using symbols like the slogan 'makibaka'.

What were some of the censorships implemented during the Martial Law period (1972-1981)?

During Martial Law, censorship prohibited literature that tackled topics like poverty, malnutrition, health issues, and crimes related to the brutality of Martial Law. Only government-approved subjects like economic progress and discipline were allowed.

What themes became prominent in Philippine literature during the Third Republic (1981-1985)?

After Martial Law was lifted, themes of grief, poverty, aspirations for freedom, love of God, country, and fellow men became more common in Philippine literature.

How did the 1986 People Power revolution impact Philippine literature?

The 1986 People Power revolution restored independence and freedom of expression, which greatly influenced literature. Newspapers, songs, and TV programs reflected the newfound freedom, and literature flourished with a broader range of topics.

What role did the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) play during the Post-EDSA period (1986-1995)?

The NCCA funded workshops, conferences, and various literary projects, helping to strengthen the growth of Philippine literature. They also introduced new criteria for selecting national literature, emphasizing the multilingual, multicultural, and national nature of works.

How did literature change in the 21st century (2001-present) in the Philippines?

In the 21st century, literature became more digital, with new formats like eBooks, blogs, and apps such as Wattpad becoming popular. Writers also began incorporating new slang and colloquial language into their works.

What are some examples of the new language trends seen in 21st-century Filipino literature?

In 21st-century Filipino literature, new language trends include the use of slang, gay lingo, abbreviations, and other colloquial terms that add flavor to literary works.