Philippine Literature: Pre-Colonial Period

Questions and Answers

What symbols did the Alibata (baybayin) script consist of?

17 symbols: 3 vowels and 14 consonants (correct)

20 symbols: 5 vowels and 15 consonants

15 symbols: 4 vowels and 11 consonants

10 symbols: 5 vowels and 5 consonants

Which of the following best describes a fable?

A shorth allegorical tale that often includes moral lessons featuring animals (correct)

A traditional story about gods and their powers

A poetic form that expresses feelings of love and nature

A narrative explaining the origins of a location or name

What is a common theme found in legends?

Moral lessons relating to human behavior

The characterization of animals in human-like situations

The origin of a thing, place, or name (correct)

The struggles of supernatural beings

Which genre employs riddles as a form of literature?

Early poetry Signup and view all the answers

What purpose does a proverb serve in literature?

To provide practical wisdom and insights about life Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is used in witchcraft or enchantment?

Chants (Bulong) Signup and view all the answers

What medium did early Filipinos NOT use for writing?

Stone tablets Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is an example of a folk narrative?

A traditional tale explaining the origins of the Mayon volcano Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Philippine Literature Overview

Pre-colonial literature was characterized by oral traditions, intended to amuse and entertain.
Early written forms utilized materials like clay, tree bark, leaves, and bamboo tubes, inscribed with sharp instruments and ink derived from tree saps and soot.
The Alibata (baybayin) script featured 17 symbols: 3 vowels and 14 consonants.

Folk Narratives

Myths: Traditional stories about heroes or supernatural beings that seek to explain natural phenomena or human behavior. Example: Visayan Creation Myth.
Legends: Narratives focused on the origins of a location, object, or name. Example: Legend of Mayon Volcano.
Fables: Short, allegorical tales with moral lessons, often featuring animal characters. Example: The Monkey and the Crocodile.

Early Poetry

Riddles (Bugtong o Palaisipan): Short, puzzling statements encouraging wit and problem-solving. Example: "Bungbong kung iiwanag, Kung gabi ay dagat."
Proverbs: Brief expressions conveying wisdom accumulated from life experiences. Example: "Nahangad ng kagitna isang salop ang Nawala."
Chants (Bulong): Utilized in rituals, such as witchcraft or enchantment.
Sayings (Kasabihan): Phrases often used for teasing or commenting on someone's actions.

Description

This quiz explores the rich oral traditions and early writing methods of Philippine literature during the Pre-Colonial period. Delve into the unique literary forms and materials used by early Filipinos, as well as the significance of the Alibata script. Test your knowledge of this fascinating era in Philippine literary history.