Teaching Philippine Literature in English | Dr. Gemino Abad

Summary

This talk delves into the essence of literature as a form of human expression, highlighting the poet's quest for new forms of expression to capture the infinite possibilities of imagination. It emphasizes the role of language as a medium for translating the world's wonder and the writer's endeavor to convey profound insights into our shared humanity. The speaker advocates for the study of Filipino literature in English, showcasing its power to shape and reflect the Filipino experience, and discusses the pedagogical value of the workshop approach in creative writing to enhance students' linguistic and rhetorical awareness.

Takeaways

• 📜 The speaker uses 'poet' and 'poem' to symbolize the writer and literary works, emphasizing the idea of literature as an expression of human experience and perception.
• 🗣️ Communication and expression are distinguished, with the former being about conveying immediate thoughts and feelings, and the latter about shaping language to reflect one's perception of reality.
• 🎭 Literature, or 'imaginative writing,' is described as a field of expression that deals with the theme of humanity and our experiences, always evolving like history, culture, and language.
• 🏺 Forms of literary expression, such as fiction, poems, plays, and essays, are seen as shaped by the historical language of their time, implying that they carry inherent rules and criteria.
• 🔍 The writer, as a literary artist, is on a constant quest for new forms of expression, driven by the boundless possibilities of imagination.
• 🌟 Literary works are symbolic enactments and re-inventions of the imagination, reflecting our individual and collective human history and potential for growth.
• 🌱 The human being's unique consciousness of death leads to a yearning for life to be meaningful, prompting the translation of the world and its wonders into language.
• 🌐 Language itself is a form of translation, a tool for conveying thoughts and feelings, and is inherently tied to the culture and historical period in which it is used.
• 📝 Writing is an act of translation and a means to express thoughts and feelings that may outlive the writer, suggesting a desire to leave a lasting impact.
• 🌈 The workshop approach to teaching creative writing encourages students to explore their experiences and the potential of language, fostering a sense of language that is essential for proficiency.
• 📚 Analytical reading of literary texts is crucial, as it allows readers to actively engage with the human experience depicted and to assess the writer's use of language to convey meaning.

Q & A

What is the distinction made between 'communication' and 'expression' in the script?

In the script, 'communication' is described as the act of conveying one's thoughts and feelings in the moment with others, while 'expression' involves shaping language to reflect one's perception or intuition about aspects of reality, whether experienced or imagined.

What is the role of the writer as a literary artist according to the speaker?

The writer, as a literary artist, is always in quest of new forms of expression, driven by the infinite possibilities of imagination. Their role is to create and shape language to reflect their unique perception of reality, contributing to the ever-evolving field of literature.

What does the speaker suggest is the subject or theme of literature?

The speaker suggests that the subject or theme of literature is our humanity and our experience as human beings, reflecting both our individual and collective history.

How does the speaker describe the relationship between language and reality?

The speaker describes language as a medium that not only represents reality but also shapes it. Language is a cultural and historical artifact that provides a particular way of perceiving and interpreting the world and human affairs.

What is the significance of the term 'translation' in the context of language and writing according to the script?

In the script, 'translation' is used to illustrate the idea that language inherently carries meaning across from one context to another. Writing is seen as a form of translation, where thoughts and feelings are expressed in a way that may give them new life and meaning.

How does the speaker view the role of imagination in literature?

The speaker views imagination as a crucial element in literature, stating that literary works are re-inventions of the imagination. Imagination is what allows us to create meanings that help us live and gives life to abstract concepts from our experiences.

What is the purpose of using Filipino literature as models of good writing in teaching English, according to the speaker?

The purpose is twofold: firstly, the culture and experience from which these literary works arise are part of the students' own history as a people; secondly, it demonstrates how English as a medium can shape Filipino thoughts and feelings, fostering a deeper understanding of the language.

How does the speaker define the term 'workshop approach' in the context of creative writing?

The 'workshop approach' in creative writing is defined as an effective teaching method that encourages students to express themselves imaginatively by exploring their experiences and experimenting with the possibilities of the English language as a medium for expression.

What does the speaker suggest is the primary goal of the workshop approach in teaching English?

The primary goal of the workshop approach is to enhance students' sense for language by making them aware of linguistic and rhetorical resources and their possibilities, ultimately fostering proficiency in the language.

How does the speaker interpret the poem 'Lament for the Littlest Fellow' by Edith L. Tiempo?

The speaker interprets the poem as a reflection on the human condition, using the marmoset as a metaphor for the human soul trapped in a 'living cage'. The poem explores themes of intimacy, pain, and the struggle to hold onto moments of love and freedom.

What insight does the speaker provide about the poem 'Bonsai' by Edith L. Tiempo?

The speaker suggests that 'Bonsai' is about the idea of cherishing and nurturing life and love as real and tangible as any material thing, through the act of keeping mementos. The poem highlights the power of memory and the ability to condense love into something small yet significant.