Pre-Colonial Era in Philippine Literature

Questions and Answers

What is the name of the alphabet used by Filipinos before the arrival of the Spaniards?

alibata

Oral literature was not significant in the early times of Philippine history.

False

Which of the following best describes the literary period before the arrival of the Spaniards?

The period of modern literature

The end of oral traditions

The first and longest literary period (correct)

The period of colonial literature

The syllabary or alibata consisted of _____ symbols, including vowels and consonants.

seventeen Signup and view all the answers

Match the following descriptions with their corresponding terms:

Oral Literature = Literature passed down verbally Alibata = Filipino syllabary Sanskrit = Possible origin of alibata Vowels = Letters that represent sounds in a language Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical format of a riddle?

A mystifying question or mind puzzle Signup and view all the answers

Fables often use animals as characters to teach human values.

True Signup and view all the answers

What type of narrative is an epic?

A long narrative poem about quests and adventures of a hero. Signup and view all the answers

A __________ is a story explaining origins handed down from the past.

legend Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of prose narrative with its description:

Epic = A story of gods and goddesses. Myth = Stories intended to teach human values. Fable = Long narrative poem about a hero. Legend = Stories explaining origins handed down through generations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a myth?

Focuses on historical events Signup and view all the answers

Legends are scientifically proven stories about historical events.

False Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pre-Colonial Era (Early Times-1564)

Represents the first and longest literary period in Philippine history before Spanish colonization.
Oral literature served as the foundation of Philippine literature, featuring myths, folklore, and narrative songs transmitted through generations.
Filipinos utilized a writing system known as syllabary, commonly referred to as alibata.
Alibata is believed to have roots in either Sanskrit or Arabic.
The syllabary consisted of seventeen symbols, including three vowels which represented the five vowels and fourteen consonants in the language.

Riddles (Bugtong)

Riddles are mind puzzles presented as mystifying questions.
Intended to challenge and engage the solver's thinking skills.
Example: "A deep well that is full of chisels." – Answer: mouth (bibig).
Example: "My two boxes are opened without a sound." – Answer: eyes (mata).

Prose Narratives

Prose narratives aim to explain natural phenomena through storytelling.
They often feature mythological creatures, legends, and characters with supernatural abilities.
Preserved as a vital part of regional history and culture.

Types of Prose Narratives

Epic: A lengthy narrative poem that recounts the quests and adventures of a hero endowed with extraordinary strength and abilities.
Myth: Narratives involving gods and goddesses that utilize traditional language to explain cultural beliefs, mysteries, and practices.
Fables: Stories featuring anthropomorphized animals designed to impart moral lessons and human values.
Legends: Narratives explaining historical origins that are passed through generations; some elements may be believed but lack scientific evidence.

Description

Explore the rich tapestry of the Pre-Colonial Era in Philippine literature, which lasted from early times until 1564. This quiz delves into the origins of oral literature, including myths, folklore, and narrative songs, as well as the unique writing system known as alibata. Test your knowledge on the ancient literary practices that shaped Philippine culture before Spanish colonization.