PRE-COLONIAL+-+COLONIAL+PERIOD

Definition of Literature

  • Derived from Latin "littera" meaning “letter/handwriting.”
  • Classical sense: “the art of written works or imaginative writing.”
  • Modern extension: embraces oral literature, acknowledging cultures where artistry is transmitted by voice before writing systems.
  • Dual nature implies that Philippine literary study must engage both oral traditions and written texts.

Writing System & Oral Literary Forms

  • Early Filipinos employed indigenous scripts (e.g., Baybayin/Alibata) prior to Roman alphabet adoption.
  • Two primary channels of expression:
    • Writing System: pictographic / syllabary scripts; later Romanized.
    • Oral Literary Forms: memorized, performed; community‐centered; basis for much of pre-colonial heritage.

Pre-Colonial Literature

  • Produced before Spanish arrival (pre-1565); showcases rich past of island inhabitants.
  • Characterized by:
    • Folk Speeches
    • Folk Songs
    • Folk Narratives
  • Functions: transmit ethics, cosmology, communal memory, entertainment, and education.

Folk Speeches

  • Serve as verbal art pieces, often interactive or performative.
Riddles / Bugtong
  • Mystifying questions; invite analytical thinking.
  • Example: “Baboy sa lasang, ang tunok puro lansang” → answer: nangka.
  • English sample: “It belongs to you but your friends use it more” → your name.
Epigrams / Salawikain
  • Short witty sayings, often satirical.
  • Convey moral insight using humor or irony.
  • Examples:
    • “Aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo.”
    • “Kung may isinuksok, may madudukot.”
  • Technique link: Satire—use of exaggeration & irony to expose vices/folly.
Chants / Bulong
  • Incantations linked with folk medicine or witchcraft.
  • Sample invocation: “Tabi-tabi po, alisin niyo po ang sakit ng pamilya ko.”
  • Demonstrates animistic belief in spirits and magic.
Proverbs / Sayings
  • Encapsulate codes of behavior; mnemonic teaching tools.
  • Foreign & local examples: “The grass is greener on the other side,” “Strike while the iron is hot,” “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” “Actions speak louder than words.”

Folk Songs

  • Manifest artistic feelings; value melody + narrative.
  • Canonical titles: “Leron-Leron Sinta,” “Pamulinawen,” “Dandansoy,” “Sarong Banggi,” “Atin Cu Pung Singsing.”
  • Sub-genre: Lullaby—gentle song for infants; emotional spectrum includes love, grief, hope.
  • Example lyrics (Hiligaynon lullaby):
    • “Ili-ili tulog anay, wala diri imong nanay… ” (repeats to soothe child).

Folk Narratives

Overview
  • Long-form oral stories; reinforce worldview and communal values.
Epic
  • Extended adventures of a hero; sung/recited to music; communal identity marker.
  • (e.g., Biag ni Lam-ang, Hinilawod though names not in slide, important connection).
Myths
  • Explain origin of world & natural phenomena through gods/goddesses.