UP TALKS | Teaching Philippine Literature in English

Summary

This video script explores the concept of literature as a form of expression, emphasizing the writer's quest for new forms to convey human experience. It discusses the fluidity of literature, language, and the role of imagination in shaping our perception of reality. The speaker advocates for the study of Filipino literature in English to understand how language shapes thoughts and emotions, and highlights the workshop approach in creative writing as a means to enhance students' linguistic and poetic sensibilities.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script discusses the role of the writer as a literary artist, using the term 'POI' to represent the writer and 'poetry' as a generic term for all literary works.
• 🌐 The distinction is made between communication and expression, with communication being the conveyance of thoughts and feelings, and expression being the shaping of language to reflect one's perception or intuition about reality.
• 🎭 Literature is described as a field of expression, with its subject being humanity and our experiences, which are always changing and evolving.
• 🔍 The writer is portrayed as constantly seeking new forms of expression, as the imagination has infinite possibilities, and these forms are influenced by historical and linguistic contexts.
• 🌟 Literary works are seen as symbolic or imaginative enactments, which are reinventions of the imagination, creating meanings that help us live and understand our world.
• 🏞 The importance of language is emphasized, as it is the medium through which we translate and carry our experiences and perceptions of the world.
• 🌱 The script suggests that language itself is a form of fiction, as it shapes our perception of reality and is continually being reworked into new forms of expression.
• 📝 The value of Filipino literature is highlighted, as it provides models of good writing that reflect the culture and experiences of Filipinos, using English as a medium of expression.
• 🛠 The workshop approach in creative writing is presented as an effective way to teach English, encouraging students to express themselves imaginatively and explore the linguistic possibilities of the language.
• 🔬 Close analytical reading of literary texts is advocated, as it allows readers to actively engage with the human experience depicted in the works and appreciate the writer's use of language.
• 🎨 The script concludes with an analysis of two poems, 'Lament for the Littlest Fellow' and 'Bonsai', illustrating how language and imagery are used to convey deep and complex human emotions and experiences.

Q & A

What does the speaker mean by using the term 'POI' to represent the writer as a literary artist?

The term 'POI' stands for 'point of interest' and is used metaphorically to highlight the writer's role as a creator of literary works that capture and reflect on the human experience.

What is the distinction made between 'communication' and 'expression' in the context of literature?

Communication is the act of conveying thoughts and feelings in the moment of speech, while expression involves shaping language to reflect one's perception or intuition about reality, whether it's based on lived experiences or imagination.

How does the speaker describe the role of literature in relation to our humanity and experience?

Literature is seen as a field of expression that explores our humanity and experiences. It is in a constant state of flux, reflecting the changes in history, culture, and language, and it shapes our thoughts and feelings through the forms of expression it adopts.

What is the significance of the writer's quest for new forms of expression according to the speaker?

The writer's quest for new forms of expression is significant because it represents the boundless possibilities of imagination. This quest allows the writer to reinvent and reinterpret the human experience in unique ways, keeping literature fresh and relevant.

How does the speaker view the relationship between language and the human experience?

Language is viewed as a crucial tool for translating the world and human experiences into a form that can be shared and understood. It is a means of perceiving and expressing reality, and as such, it is inherently tied to our humanity.

What is the role of imagination in creating literary works, as per the speaker?

Imagination plays a central role in creating literary works by providing the means to abstract from our experiences and create new meanings. It allows writers to reinvent the world and human experiences, making the abstract concrete in the reader's mind.

Why does the speaker suggest that language is our first fiction?

Language is considered our first fiction because it is the initial abstraction and interpretation of reality. It shapes our perception and understanding of the world, and it is through language that we create and share our experiences and ideas.

What is the significance of the workshop approach in teaching English through Filipino literature?

The workshop approach encourages students to engage with literature actively, exploring their own experiences and the linguistic possibilities of English. It aims to enhance students' sense for language and their understanding of how language shapes thoughts and feelings.

How does the speaker interpret the role of language in shaping our view of reality?

Language is seen as a historical and cultural artifact that already embodies a particular way of looking at reality. It influences how we perceive and interpret the world, and as our outlook changes, so does our language.

What is the importance of close analytical reading in the workshop approach to teaching literature?

Close analytical reading is important because it allows students to actively engage with the text, exploring the linguistic and rhetorical resources used by the author. This process helps students to appreciate the writer's craft and develop a deeper understanding of the text.

How does the speaker describe the process of creating meaning through writing?

The speaker describes the process of creating meaning through writing as an active one, where the writer shapes language to express their insights and emotions. This process recreates language and allows the writer to express their unique perspective on the human experience.