21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World (Introduction to Philippine Lit.) Week-1

Summary

This video lesson, presented by Teacher Arvin, explores 21st-century literature from the Philippines and the world, highlighting essential competencies such as analyzing and interpreting literary texts. It delves into Philippine literary history from the pre-colonial period to the present, emphasizing the cultural, geographical, and linguistic aspects that shaped it. The lesson covers key literary periods: Pre-colonial, Spanish, American, Japanese, Republic, and Contemporary, illustrating their distinct influences on Filipino literature. It also discusses notable writers, works, and the role of literature in shaping society, while encouraging critical thinking, language development, and understanding of humanity through diverse literary forms.

Takeaways

• 😀 Literature is defined as writings that express ideas of permanent or universal interest, and it is essential in shaping societies and cultures.
• 😀 Reading literature exercises the imagination, helping individuals experience diverse characters and their emotions, which promotes creativity and sound judgment.
• 😀 Literature transports readers to different periods and places, allowing them to learn about history and different cultures through the perspectives of others.
• 😀 Reading literature improves empathy, as it helps individuals see the world through the eyes of others, setting aside personal prejudices.
• 😀 Great works of literature, such as 'The Epic of Gilgamesh' and 'Don Quixote,' have significantly influenced global literature and shaped societal values.
• 😀 Literature enhances language and vocabulary skills, improving both speaking and writing abilities by interacting with literary texts.
• 😀 Literature helps us understand human nature by reflecting on our soul, conscience, virtues, vices, and the complexities of human life.
• 😀 The pre-colonial period of Philippine literature (pre-1564) was based on oral traditions and reflected the daily experiences and beliefs of ancient Filipinos.
• 😀 The Spanish colonization (1565-1898) introduced the Catholic faith, the Spanish language, and religious literature, with notable works by Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio.
• 😀 The American period (1898-1946) saw the rise of English literature in the Philippines, and writers like Paz Marquez Benitez and NVM Gonzalez contributed significantly to Filipino literary development.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of today's lesson?

The primary focus is on 21st-century literature from the Philippines and the world, with an emphasis on analyzing literary texts and doing adaptations.

What are the essential learning competencies outlined in the lesson?

The competencies include writing a close analysis and critical interpretation of literary texts, and understanding the geographic, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions of Philippine literary history from the pre-colonial to the contemporary period.

What is the definition of literature, according to the script?

Literature is defined as a body of writing that belongs to a given language or people, expressing ideas of permanent or universal interest, and is derived from the Latin word 'litera,' meaning a letter of the alphabet.

What are the six main reasons why reading literature is important?

1) It exercises the imagination, 2) It transports us into other periods and places, 3) It helps us see the world through others' eyes, 4) It shapes society, 5) It encourages contemplation and improves language skills, 6) It helps us understand humanity.

How did pre-colonial literature in the Philippines function?

Pre-colonial literature was based on oral traditions and was passed down through stories, legends, proverbs, riddles, songs, and epics. It focused on the common experiences of people, such as food gathering, nature, and family.

What was the influence of Spanish colonization on Philippine literature?

Spanish colonization introduced religious literature and changed the literary language to Spanish. Key works included the 'Doctrina Christiana' and novels by prominent writers like José Rizal, who used literature to expose corruption and oppression.

What literary forms were popular during the Spanish period?

The popular literary forms included religious prose and poetry, political essays, novels, and short stories. Notable works included José Rizal's novels, Emilio Jacinto's political essays, and Andres Bonifacio's revolutionary writings.

How did American colonization affect Philippine literature?

American colonization introduced English as the medium of instruction, which influenced Filipino writers to adopt Anglo-American literary styles. Writers used literature to express nationalism and longings for independence.

What were the challenges faced by literature during the Japanese period?

During the Japanese period (1941-1945), literature faced censorship, with English-language newspapers banned and writers shifting to writing in Filipino. The focus of literary themes shifted to nationalism and life in the barrios.

How did the post-war period (Republic period) influence Philippine literature?

In the post-war period, Filipino writers, often educated in the U.S., contributed to the development of literature, with works focusing on the country's history, class struggles, and the effects of war. Writers like Nick Joaquin, Amado Hernandez, and others became prominent during this period.

What was the role of literature in the contemporary period (1986-present)?

In the contemporary period, literature flourished with a focus on activism and social issues, especially during the martial law years. Writers used literature to express resistance and advocate for social change, with campus newspapers and public demonstrations becoming key aspects of literary activism.