Philippine Precolonial Literature PDF

Good day! Literature What is Literature? Literature is from the Latin word “littera” which 1 means Letter. It is also defined as a body of writing 2 belonging to a given language or people. Literature is any collection of written work, but it is also used more narrowly 3 fo...

Good day! Literature What is Literature? Literature is from the Latin word “littera” which 1 means Letter. It is also defined as a body of writing 2 belonging to a given language or people. Literature is any collection of written work, but it is also used more narrowly 3 for writings specifically considered to be an art form. Mapping our Literary Past, Present, and Future Prepared by: Dexter R. Rotairo Philippine Precolonial Literature Prepared by: Dexter R. Rotairo  Long before the Spaniards and other foreigners landed on Philippine shores, our forefathers already had their own literature stamped in the history of our race. Pre-colonial Period (BC-1500s)  Early Filipinos weaved together countless myths and legends to explain certain phenomena in life. They had stories on how the world was created – why there are earthquakes, why there is a sun in the morning and moon at night, how a mountain was formed, and other life events.  However, because paper was not invented yet, many of these tales were not preserved and have vanished from local knowledge. Most of what have been transcribed now are taken from oral literature, which means that these stories have been passed on from one generation to another. Oral Lore / Oral Tradition A type of human communication wherein knowledge, art, ideas, and cultural material is received, preserved, and transmitted orally from one generation to another. The transmission is through speech or song and may include folktales, ballads, chants, and verses.  Oral Forms of Literature During the Pre- colonial Period  1.) Proverbs / Epigrams (Salawikain) These are simple statements that are very meaningful and aim to provide advice and guidance in everyday living. To others, these are like allegories or parables that impart lessons for the young.  1.) Proverbs / Epigrams (Salawikain) These are practical Observations and philosophy of everyday life that are usually written in a rhyming scheme. It is obviously meant to entertain while teaching basic skills in surviving local life. Examples: “May tainga ang lupa, may pakpak ang balita.” “Kahit saang gubat, ay mayruong ahas.” “Ang umaayaw ay di nag wawagi, ang nagwawagi ay di umaayaw.” Epigrams (Salawikain)  These are statements that contain superficial words, but they function figuratively and as metaphors. These are either statements or questions that demand deep answers. 2.) Riddles (Bugtong)  These are like proverbs with one main difference: they demand an answer and are used to test the wit of those who are listening to them. They seem to be referring to something laughable, but in reality, the answer is more serious than expected. “May kamay, walang paa. May mukha, walang mata.” 2.) Riddles (Bugtong) 3.) Chant (Bulong) Used in witchcraft or enchantment. Most of our ancestors believe in unseen spirits or supernatural beings like dwarfs. They ask permission from them so as not to have bad things happen to them. Folksongs These are beautiful songs that are informal expressions of our ancestors’ experiences in life. These range from courtship (harana), to lullabies, harvests, funerals, and others. Examples: Magtanim Ay 'Di Biro Pakitong Kitong Bahay Kubo  Tales (Myths and Legends) Are stories of origin for certain places, their names, and their creation. They are usually used to explain certain phenomena in our ancestors’ lives that can’t be explained by the limited practical kind of science they knew back then.  Epics Are long-winded poems about a hero and his adventures and misadventures. It usually tells of a male hero who is born with all the pleasing qualities that your ancestors like in a person and who also has superhuman capabilities. Sometimes, supernatural elements are The Hinilawod also introduced to show the strength of the hero and his capabilities.  That’s all! See you when I see you!