TAGLISH 21st Century Literature - MODULE 1 (Part 2) - American and Japanese Colonization

Summary

This script explores the evolution of Philippine literature through various colonization eras. It highlights the American colonization era (1899-1945), which introduced public education and English language, with notable writers like Aurelio Tolentino and Jose Garcia Villa. The Japanese era (1941-1945) saw a rise in escapism through romance and fantasy, and the introduction of haiku. The script also touches on nationalism in literature and mentions playwrights like Jose Maria Hernandez. The contemporary period is hinted at, suggesting a progression into the 21st century with martial law's impact on literature.

Takeaways

• 📚 The American colonization era in the Philippines lasted from 1899 to 1945 and was characterized by a different approach to education and governance compared to the Spanish era.
• 🏫 The American period saw the establishment of a public school system in the Philippines, with American soldiers known as Thomasites acting as teachers and promoting the English language.
• 📖 Filipino literature during the American era was diverse, with writers choosing to write in Spanish, Tagalog, dialects, or English, reflecting the influence of the colonizers.
• 🎓 Notable writers from the American colonization era include Aurelio Tolentino, Tahapun Bujas, Manuel Orgilia, and Jose Garcia Villa.
• 🌏 The Japanese colonization era was much shorter, lasting from 1941 to 1945, and had a significant impact on Filipino literature and the use of the English language.
• 💔 During the Japanese era, literature became an escape for Filipinos, with a rise in romance and fantasy themes, and the introduction of the haiku form to the country.
• 🌿 Haiku, a form of poetry with a 5-7-5 syllable structure, became popular during the Japanese colonization, often focusing on nature.
• 📰 The Japanese occupation also limited the circulation of newspapers, with only Tribune and Philippine Review being significant during this time.
• 🎭 Filipino playwrights like Jose Maria Hernandez, Francisco Soc Rodrigo, Claudualdo del Mundo, and Julian Cruz Balmaseda gained prominence during the Japanese era.
• 📚 The short story genre expanded during the Japanese occupation, with authors such as Prigido Batumbakal, NVM Gonzalez, Alicia Lopez Lim, Nigaya Perez, and Gloria Guzman contributing to its growth.
• 🌐 The script also mentions the transition to the 21st century and the martial law period, indicating a continuation of the discussion on Filipino literature and its evolution.

Q & A

What era is discussed first in the script, and what is its time frame?

The script first discusses the Spanish era, which is not explicitly given a time frame in the transcript but is followed by the American colonization era, indicating it occurred before 1899.

How did the American colonization era approach the Philippines differently from the Spanish era?

The American colonization era approached the Philippines with the intention of helping the country progress towards independence. They opened education to everyone and established the public school system in the Philippines.

Who were the 'Thomasites' mentioned in the script, and what was their role?

The 'Thomasites' were American soldiers who served as teachers in the Philippines, helping to spread the English language during the American colonization era.

What language did the Filipino writers choose to write in during the American colonization era?

Filipino writers during the American colonization era chose to write in Spanish, Tagalog, their own dialects, or English.

Can you name any famous writers from the American colonization era mentioned in the script?

Some famous writers from the American colonization era mentioned in the script include Aurelio Tolentino, Tahapun Bujas, Manuel Orgilia, and Jose Garcia Villa.

What is the time frame of the Japanese colonization era in the Philippines?

The Japanese colonization era in the Philippines lasted from 1941 to 1945.

How did the literature in the Philippines change during the Japanese colonization era?

During the Japanese colonization era, Filipino literature saw an increase in romance and fantasy as an escape from reality. English literature faced a dark period, and the only newspapers that circulated were the Tribune and Philippine Review.

What is a haiku and what is its structure?

A haiku is a form of poetry with a structure of three lines, following a 5-7-5 syllable count.

What themes were prevalent in Filipino literature during the Japanese colonization era?

Themes of nationalism, love for the country, and an escape through romances and fantasies were prevalent in Filipino literature during the Japanese colonization era.

Can you name any famous playwrights from the Japanese colonization era mentioned in the script?

Some famous playwrights from the Japanese colonization era mentioned in the script include Jose Maria Hernandez, Francisco Soc Rodrigo, Claudualdo del Mundo, and Julian Cruz Balmaseda.

What significant change occurred in short story writing during the Japanese occupation?

During the Japanese occupation, the scope of short story writing in the Philippines widened, leading to the emergence of many short story writers.

What is the significance of the organization 'Dramatic Philippines' mentioned in the script?

The organization 'Dramatic Philippines' was founded by some of the translators during the Japanese colonization era and is significant for its contribution to Filipino theater and drama.