Philippine Literature: Overview of Genres and Oral Lore PDF

CHAPTER 1 Overview: Philippine Literature The role of literature in understanding the uniqueness of the Filipino identity is profound and multifaceted. Filipino literature—both oral and written—provides a lens through which the nation's culture, history, values, and struggles are expressed and pre...

CHAPTER 1 Overview: Philippine Literature The role of literature in understanding the uniqueness of the Filipino identity is profound and multifaceted. Filipino literature—both oral and written—provides a lens through which the nation's culture, history, values, and struggles are expressed and preserved.  Key ways literature contributes to the understanding of the uniqueness of the Filipino identity : 1.Preserving Filipino History and Culture  Filipino literature chronicles the country's rich history (indigenous customs, beliefs, and worldviews.), from pre-colonial traditions to the present. It captures the impact of colonial rule, the fight for independence, and the nation's ongoing journey toward modernization. 2. Highlighting Filipino Values  Literature reflects core Filipino values such as bayanihan (community spirit), utang na loob (debt of gratitude), and pakikisama (smooth interpersonal relationships). These values are often woven into stories, poetry, and plays, serving as moral lessons for readers. 3. Depicting Unique Filipino Experiences  Filipino literature explores themes of resilience, adaptability, and joy amidst challenges, often referred to as the Filipino spirit. 4. Fostering National Identity Literature plays a pivotal role in shaping and fostering national identity by reflecting the values, experiences, struggles, and aspirations of a people. In the context of the Philippines, where the nation has a rich but complex history shaped by colonization, resistance, and independence, literature has been a vital tool for uniting Filipinos and solidifying a shared sense of identity. 5. Providing Insight into Social Issues  Literature often critiques societal issues such as poverty, corruption, and inequality. It serves as a mirror for Filipinos to reflect on their shared challenges and aspirations. 6. Celebrating Diversity  The Philippines is an archipelago with over 7,000 islands, each with its unique culture and traditions. Literature from various regions showcases this diversity, emphasizing the unity within the country's cultural mosaic.  Essence of Philippine Literature The essence of Philippine literature lies in its ability to reflect the complex cultural, historical, and social experiences of the Filipino people. Rooted in the diverse traditions, languages, and histories of the archipelago, it serves as a dynamic and living record of the nation's collective identity. Philippine literature encompasses various forms and genres, reflecting not only the influences of foreign colonization (Spanish, American, and Japanese) but also the indigenous cultural expressions of the Filipino people.  Key elements of the essence of Philippine literature include: 1.Cultural Identity oPhilippine literature captures the Filipino way of life, from indigenous myths to contemporary issues, providing a sense of collective identity. oWorks often portray Filipino values, customs, and the struggles for independence and self-expression. 2.Historical Reflection oLiterature in the Philippines has always been a medium for reflecting on historical events, from pre-colonial traditions to the modern-day struggles for freedom, rights, and justice. oThrough literature, Filipinos have critiqued social systems, especially during colonial periods and Martial Law. 3. Bilingual and Multilingual Nature oWith over 170 languages spoken in the Philippines, Filipino literature exists in many languages such as Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, and English, among others. oThis diversity of language enriches Filipino literature, offering various perspectives on the same cultural themes.  Functions of Philippine Literature 1.Cultural Preservation o Philippine literature serves as a medium for preserving the traditions, beliefs, and practices of various Filipino communities. Example: The Legend of Mayon Volcano preserves Filipino folk beliefs and the connection to nature. 2. Education and Awareness o It provides educational insights into the Filipino way of life, the country’s history, and the social realities faced by its people. o Literary works are important tools for teaching moral lessons, societal values, and historical events. They also promote awareness of local and global issues. Example: Noli Me Tangere by José Rizal educates readers about the corruption and injustice during the Spanish colonial period. 3. Medium for Social Critique oLiterature in the Philippines has always been a powerful tool for critiquing social systems and exposing the flaws in governance, economic structures, and human rights. oWriters have used their works to resist colonization, promote nationalism, and advocate for social justice. Example: Dekada '70 by Lualhati Bautista critiques the societal impact of Martial Law and political oppression during the Marcos regime. 4. Emotional Expression oThrough poetry, plays, and stories, Philippine literature allows individuals to express personal emotions, struggles, and aspirations. oIt serves as a means for catharsis, giving voice to personal and collective feelings such as love, anger, loss, and hope. Example: The Kundiman, a traditional Filipino song, often expresses deep emotions of love and longing. 5. Entertainment and Escapism oPhilippine literature also provides entertainment, offering readers a break from the struggles of daily life through engaging stories and dramatic performances. oWorks of fiction and drama give readers the opportunity to experience different worlds, characters, and emotions. Example: Dogeaters by Jessica Hagedorn offers a satirical and colorful portrayal of life in Manila, blending historical and fictional elements to entertain and inform. In Jessica Hagedorn's novel Dogeaters (1990), the term "Dogeaters" is a satirical reference to a derogatory stereotype used by Westerners to describe Filipinos, stemming from cultural prejudices and misunderstandings. The novel uses the term metaphorically to explore themes of identity, colonialism, and the intersection of Filipino and Western cultures. It is a critical look at the Philippines during the Marcos era, blending history, politics, and pop culture with a focus on societal inequities. The characters in Dogeaters represent a broad cross-section of Philippine society, ranging from the elite to the marginalized. 6. Preservation of Language and Identity o Through literature, the Filipino language and dialects are maintained and promoted. Many literary works preserve not only the language but also the way of thinking, worldviews, and expressions unique to various regions of the Philippines. 7. Inspiration for Social Change oPhilippine literature has inspired action and change, providing a platform for voices advocating for reform, equality, and human rights. oThrough literary works, authors can advocate for changes in political, economic, and social systems. 8. Fostering Unity oDespite the country's regional differences and linguistic diversity, literature helps to foster national unity by focusing on shared struggles, dreams, and ideals. oBy representing different Filipino communities and cultures, literature builds understanding among Filipinos from diverse backgrounds  Philippine literature plays a crucial role in shaping the identity, consciousness, and aspirations of the Filipino people.  Its essence lies in its ability to reflect the nation's complexities, struggles, and diverse cultural traditions.  The functions of Philippine literature go beyond entertainment, offering valuable lessons in history, morality, and social change, while preserving the Filipino spirit for future generations. THANK YOU! LESSON 2  Literary Genres: 1. Drama Drama is a genre intended to be performed on stage, screen, or radio. It uses dialogue, action, and performance to tell a story and evoke emotions. Characteristics  Written in script form, with stage directions and dialogue.  Focuses on conflict, relationships, and emotional experiences.  Relies on visual and auditory elements, such as setting, costumes, and music, to enhance storytelling. 2. Essay An essay is a short piece of prose that explores a specific topic or idea, often presenting the writer's personal perspective or argument. Characteristics  Usually written in prose and structured with an introduction, body, and conclusion.  Explores topics critically, analytically, or reflectively.  May include personal experiences, facts, or opinions. Types of Essay 1.Expository Essay: Explains or informs about a topic. 2.Persuasive Essay: Aims to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint. Essays on political reform or social issues. 3.Descriptive Essay: Paints a vivid picture of a person, place, or event. 4.Narrative Essay: Tells a story based on personal experiences. 3. Poetry Poetry is a literary genre that uses rhythm, rhyme, imagery, and symbolism to express emotions, ideas, and experiences. Characteristics  Written in verse form with a focus on sound, rhythm, and structure.  Often employs figurative language, such as metaphors and similes.  Conveys deep emotions or ideas concisely. 4. Short Story A short story is a brief prose narrative that typically focuses on a single event, character, or theme. Characteristics  Shorter than a novel, with a focus on one or two main characters.  Usually structured with a clear beginning, middle, and end.  Contains a single, unified theme or idea. Elements of a Short Story  Plot: The sequence of events.  Characters: The individuals in the story.  Setting: The time and place of the story.  Theme: The central message or idea.  Conflict: The problem or struggle faced by the characters.  CHAPTER 2 Oral Lore from Pre-Colonial Times in the Philippines (before 1564)  Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers in 1565, the Philippines was home to a diverse set of indigenous peoples, each with their own oral traditions. These traditions played a key role in the cultural, religious, and social life of Filipino communities. Although no written records of this era exist, the oral lore passed down through generations provides rich insights into the beliefs, values, and practices of pre-colonial Filipinos. The traditions that were prominent at the time laid the foundation for much of Filipino culture even after the influence of foreign colonization. LESSON 1 : Key Forms of Oral Lore - Before 1564 1.Epic Poetry Epics were one of the most significant forms of oral literature, narrating the adventures of heroes and gods. These epics served to preserve historical events, cultural values, and communal beliefs. Embodied values of heroism, loyalty, and social cohesion. Example:  Biag ni Lam-ang (Ilocos) – An epic about Lam-ang, a hero who performed extraordinary feats, defeated monsters, and avenged wrongdoings in his community.  Hinilawod (Panay) – A Visayan epic involving the stories of three brothers, their adventures, and their battles against mythical creatures.  Ibalon (Bicol) – This epic narrates the adventures of the hero Handiong, who fought monsters and brought peace to the land of Bicol. 2. Myths and Creation Stories oMyths served as foundational narratives explaining the origins of the world, natural phenomena, and cultural customs. These stories were often tied to the community's spiritual beliefs and their relationship with nature and the supernatural. oExample:  The Creation Myth (Tagalog) – A myth describing how Bathala, the supreme god, created the world and humans, establishing their place in the universe.  The Legend of the Mayon Volcano (Bicol) – A tragic love story involving the beautiful Daragang Magayon and the warrior Pangaronan, explaining the formation of the Mayon Volcano. 3. Fables and Folk Tales oThese stories often involved anthropomorphized animals that behaved like humans. They were used to impart moral lessons about life, behavior, and the consequences of certain actions. Example:  The Monkey and the Turtle (Common Filipino Fable) – A tale about the monkey and the turtle’s competition to outwit each other, demonstrating the moral lesson that intelligence outsmarts physical strength.  The Cat and the Mice – A story that teaches about the cleverness needed to escape danger and the consequences of trust. 4. Ritual Chants, Songs, and Ballads oRitual chants and songs were integral to religious ceremonies, healing practices, and agricultural rituals. Pre-colonial Filipinos believed in a multitude of gods and spirits, and these chants were used to invoke divine blessings and protection. Example:  Kundiman – A type of song that expressed deep feelings of longing and love, which were also used to convey emotions during social events.  Talinghaga – Figurative speech or poetic language, used in rituals or during times of communal reflection and decision- making. 5. Proverbs (Salawikain) oProverbs were widely used by pre-colonial Filipinos to express wisdom, offer guidance, and teach values. oThese were short sayings or phrases that conveyed moral lessons and were used in daily conversation. oExamples: “Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinagmulan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan.” (He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will not reach his destination.) “Bilog ang mundo.” (The world is round, meaning things can change; today may be good, but tomorrow could be different.) 6. Lullabies and Work Songs oLullabies were sung to children to calm them, while work songs accompanied laborers during rice planting, fishing, and other community activities. These songs helped maintain rhythm, morale, and unity among the workers. oExample: “Si Pilemon” – A lullaby sung to children in various Filipino communities. (“Si Pilemon” is a Cebuano children's song about a fisherman's catch.) “Bahay Kubo” – A folk song describing various vegetables found in a traditional Filipino farm, reflecting the agricultural way of life. LESSON 2: Significance of Oral Lore in Pre-Colonial Filipino Society 1.Cultural Continuity Oral lore was the primary way in which history, customs, beliefs, and traditions were passed down through generations. 2.Social Cohesion. These oral traditions were essential in maintaining unity, identity, and solidarity within villages or ethnic groups. 3.Religious and Spiritual Connection Many of the oral traditions were closely linked to religious beliefs and practices. The chants, myths, and proverbs often invoked deities, spirits, and ancestors, ensuring that the relationship between humans and the supernatural remained vital to daily life. 4.Moral and Educational Function Oral lore played a significant role in the moral upbringing of children and the socialization of adults. Through tales of heroism, love, betrayal, and divine intervention, people learned the values and principles that governed behavior within their community. THANK YOU