Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of legends in Pre-Spanish literature?
Which of the following best describes folk tales?
What defines an epic in the context of Pre-Spanish literature?
Which of the following is an example of a folk song that emerged in the pre-Spanish period?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the main characteristic of an epigram (Salawikain) in Pre-Spanish literature?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary feature of riddles (Bugtong) in Pre-Spanish literature?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of literature is known for its use in witchcraft or enchantment?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common structure of maxims in Pre-Spanish literature?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following books is the first printed book in the Philippines?
Signup and view all the answers
What script replaced the first Filipino alphabet known as Alibata?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of literature was heavily influenced by Spanish practices during the colonial period in the Philippines?
Signup and view all the answers
What genre of music became widespread in the Philippines and reflects the artistic feelings of Filipinos?
Signup and view all the answers
What was a significant aspect of periodicals published during the Spanish colonial period?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the significance of ‘Libro de los Cuatro Postprimeras de Hombre’ in Philippine literature?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the main theme presented in 'The Pasion'?
Signup and view all the answers
Which recreational play was brought to the Philippines by Spaniards and signifies a ritual excavation?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Pre-Spanish Literature
- Legends are imaginative prose focused on the origins of things, places, or names, often reflecting old Filipino customs.
- Folk tales encompass diverse stories related to life experiences, adventure, love, horror, and humor, imparting life lessons and enhancing personal perspectives. An example is "The Moon and the Sun."
- The Epic Age features long narrative poems detailing heroic achievements, though the oldest epics remain undetermined due to reliance on translations in various languages.
Folk Songs and Other Poetry Forms
- Folk songs are some of the oldest Philippine literary forms, expressing early cultural values with a common structure of 12 syllables. Examples include Kundiman, Kumintang, and Soliraning.
- Epigrams (Salawikain) represent one of the earliest forms of literature, expressing cultural reflections.
- Riddles (Bugtong) consist of one or more rhymed lines, typically four to twelve syllables, with regional variations in names.
- Chants (Bulong) are associated with witchcraft.
- Maxims include brief rhymed couplets with varying syllable counts, often reflecting wisdom or observations.
- Sayings (Kasabihan) and Sawikain feature phrases often filled with humorous or insightful meanings, used colloquially.
Spanish Influences on Philippine Literature
- The introduction of the Roman alphabet replaced the native Alibata script.
- Spanish colonial rule brought the Christian Doctrine's teachings to the forefront, deeply influencing religious practices.
- The Spanish language became a dominant literary medium, incorporating many borrowed terms into Filipino languages.
- European legends and traditions merged with local narratives, shaping songs and dramatic performances like corridos and moro-moros.
- Translations of ancient literature into Tagalog and other dialects promoted wider accessibility. Grammar books in various Filipino languages emerged.
- Religious themes predominated in periodicals of this era.
The First Books
- "Ang Doctrina Cristiana" was the first printed book in the Philippines (1593), produced via xylography.
- "Nuestra Señora del Rosario" compiled biographies of saints and religious questions.
- "Libro de los Cuatro Postprimeras de Hombre" is notable for being the first book printed using typography, available in Spanish and Tagalog.
- "Ang Barlaan at Josephat," a Biblical tale, was translated into Tagalog from Greek by Fr. Antonio de Borja.
- "The Pasion" recounts the life and suffering of Jesus Christ, traditionally read during Lent, along with "Urbana at Felisa."
Folk Songs and Recreational Plays
- Regional folk songs celebrated Filipino culture across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, exemplified by songs like Leron-Leron Sinta and Pamulinawen.
- During the Spanish period, recreational plays mainly adopted poetic forms, with "Tibag" serving as a ritual excavation representation, marking cultural observance of heritage brought by colonizers.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz explores the characteristics of pre-Spanish literature, focusing on the themes and structures of legends and folk tales. You'll learn about the significance of these narratives in reflecting old Filipino customs and the moral lessons they convey. Test your knowledge on the origins and themes present in these important cultural stories.
