Singapore 21st Century Literature Quiz and Flashcards

Study Notes

Indian Literature

Indian literature is characterized by a deeply religious spirit and piety.
The Ramayana and Mahabharata are the most important epics of India, featuring family struggles and struggles over land and dharma.
The family is an important theme in Indian literature and drama.
The Vedas are the earliest Indian literature, written in Sanskrit and considered canonical Hindu sacred writings.

Tamil Literature

Tamil literature has a rich tradition spanning over 2000 years.
It is known for its poetic nature, including epics, philosophical, and secular works.

Asian Literature

The literature of India, China, and Japan has been the most popular among other Asian countries due to its longevity and influence.
Famous authors from these countries include Vikram Chandra, Amitav Ghosh, Salman Rushdie, Yasunari Kawabata, Takiji Kobayashi, Kobi Abe, and Haruki Murakami.

Singaporean Literature

Singaporean literature is written mainly in the four official languages of the country: English, Malay, Mandarin Standard, and Tamil.
The rise of print culture in the British colony led to the flourishing of various literatures in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
English became emphasized in the education system and society after independence in 1965 as part of modernization efforts.
Translation plays a key role in bridging linguistic and literary divides.
Literary anthologies are invaluable forms for expressing and negotiating national literature and national identity.
Literary anthologies often focus on urban space, city life, and the rapid transformation of Singapore's physical environment.
Notable publications include the Internet Quarterly Literary Review Singapore, Singapore Poetry, and Poetry.sg.

Japanese Literature

Japanese literature has been heavily influenced by Chinese literature from the ancient period to the Edo period (1603-1868).
Japanese literature can be divided into four periods: Classical, Ancient, Medieval, and Modern.
Ancient literature in Japan deals primarily with myths and legends, as seen in works such as the Man'yoshu.
Modern literature is further divided into early modern (Edo period) and modern (Meiji period), when Japan opened its doors to the West.
Notable Japanese literary forms include kabuki, haiku, and yomihon.
Famous Japanese authors include Yasunari Kawabata, Takiji Kobayashi, Kobi Abe, and Haruki Murakami.

Description

Explore the development of Singaporean literature, written in four official languages, and its evolution since the country's independence in 1965. Learn about the impact of print culture and the emphasis on English in modernizing the country.