History of Philippine Literature

Summary

This video script explores the rich tapestry of Philippine literature through various historical periods, from pre-colonial oral and written traditions to the influences of Spanish, American, and Japanese colonization. It highlights significant literary works, styles, and themes, such as the alibata script, Christian doctrine, and nationalistic expressions. The script also touches on the evolution of literary forms, from traditional chants to modern writings, reflecting the country's cultural and political shifts over time.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video discusses the history of Philippine literature, covering different periods including pre-colonial, Spanish colonial, American colonial, Japanese occupation, and contemporary periods.
• 🌊 The pre-colonial period's literature was based on oral traditions and customs, with the first Filipino alphabet, Alibata, and written literature on materials like bamboo and tree bark.
• 📜 Pre-colonial literature was divided into written literature, such as riddles and poems, and oral literature, including chants and debates in verse.
• 🏰 The Spanish colonial period introduced Christian doctrine and the first book printed in the Philippines, with Filipino writers like Marcelo del Pilar using literature to awaken the spirit of freedom among Filipinos.
• 📖 The American colonial period saw the introduction of English language in literature, with the founding of poetry in English and the influence of English drama on Filipino theater.
• 🇯🇵 During the Japanese occupation, the use of English in literature was halted, leading to the rise of literature in Filipino, with themes of nationalism, love of country, and faith.
• 🎭 The contemporary period, from 1946 to present, is marked by different phases of activism, new society, third republic, and rebirth of freedom, with varying impacts on literature and its forms.
• 📰 The period of activism saw young people using campus newspapers and films to express their values and emotions, often rebelling against societal norms.
• 🎬 The new society period under Marcos focused on the development and progress of the country, with literature reflecting patience, regard for native culture, and revival of old plays and dramas.
• 📈 The third republic period from 1981 to 1985 was characterized by a variety of literary forms, including poetry, songs, and films that addressed themes of grief, poverty, aspirations for freedom, and love of God.
• 🌐 The rebirth of freedom period was marked by the rise of opposition newspapers and books that focused on realization and the body and spirit, reflecting the People Power movement's impact on literature.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video script?

The main topic discussed in the video script is the history of Philippine literature, including its development through various periods such as pre-colonial, Spanish colonial, American colonial, Japanese period, and contemporary period.

What is the significance of the quote by Theodore Roosevelt mentioned in the script?

The quote by Theodore Roosevelt emphasizes the importance of understanding the past to be better prepared for the future, which sets the stage for the discussion of Philippine literature's historical development.

What were the primary means of communication and living during the pre-colonial period in the Philippines?

During the pre-colonial period, the primary means of communication and living included using indigenous materials, streams, rivers, forests, caves, and other fertile areas, as well as the belief systems of the tribal groups.

What is 'Alibata' mentioned in the script?

Alibata is the first Filipino alphabet discovered during the pre-colonial period, which was used in indigenous Philippine literature.

How were ancient literatures written during the pre-colonial period?

Ancient literatures were written on appreciable materials like dried leaves, bamboo cylinders, and bark of trees.

What are the two forms of pre-colonial literature mentioned in the script?

The two forms of pre-colonial literature are written literature, which includes riddles and poems, and oral literature, which includes chants, debates in verses, and other spoken forms.

What impact did the Spanish colonization have on Philippine literature?

Spanish colonization led to the deprivation of indigenous Philippine literature and the monopolization of themes by religious orders, introducing European culture and the Christian doctrine into Philippine literature.

Which famous Filipino writers emerged during the Spanish colonial period?

Famous Filipino writers during the Spanish colonial period include Marcelo del Pilar, Jose Pasqual Poblete, and Francisco Balagtas, who wrote to awaken the spirit of Filipinos to fight for their freedom.

How did the American colonial period influence the writing styles and themes in Philippine literature?

The American colonial period introduced English as a language for writing, leading to the foundation of poetry in English and the overpowering of traditional Filipino drama by English drama. Themes of revolution, patriotism, and reform became prevalent.

What was the impact of the Japanese colonization on Philippine literature?

During the Japanese colonization, the use of English in literature came to a halt, and Filipinos began writing more in the Filipino language. The literature from this period focused on nationalism, love of country, life in the barrios, faith, and religion.

What are some of the literary forms that emerged in the contemporary period of Philippine literature?

In the contemporary period, various literary forms emerged, including free verse, haiku, tanaga, chiclet, mobile phone textula, speculative fiction, flash fiction, blogs, and hyper poetry.