WHAT IS 21ST CENTURY LITERATURE
1. AIM

  • Understanding the importance of embracing "new literacies" in today's classrooms.

2. DEFINITION OF LITERATURE

  • The term "LITERA-" means "LETTER."

  • Literature: Often loosely interpreted as any printed matter written in a book, magazine, or pamphlet, including novels, news articles, and various other platforms. It can be seen as a faithful reproduction of human experiences blending into a harmonious expression.

  • Literature reflects human experiences providing important life lessons.

  • It encompasses ideas, thoughts, and emotions of humanity, described as a story of man, capturing love, grief, dreams, and aspirations in beautiful language.

Example:

  • A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini: This novel exemplifies literature as a storyteller, portraying life decisions and the values of love and sacrifice.

3. LITERATURE AS A NARRATIVE OF A NATION

  • Literature serves not only to tell stories but also as a platform for propaganda and plays a role in nation-building.

  • It expresses feelings about society, government, and individuals' relationships with each other and with a divine creator. These feelings can encompass a range of emotions including love, sorrow, happiness, hatred, anger, pity, contempt, or revenge.

  • True literature is defined as undying and reflects people's responses to their efforts to live contently and reach fulfillment.

  • Quote: "Life illumines literature and literature illumines life" - This suggests that while life provides materials for literature, literature in turn gives meaning to life.

4. CHARACTERISTICS OF 21^{st} CENTURY LITERARY WORKS

  • New literary works created within the last decade by contemporary authors.

  • Addresses current themes and issues prevalent in today's world.

  • Reflects technological culture.

  • Often breaks traditional writing rules.

5. THE EVOLUTION OF LITERACY

  • As society and technology evolve, so does literacy.

  • The complexity of modern literate environments necessitates a wide range of abilities and competencies in the 21^{st} century.

6. THE IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING LITERATURE

Reasons:

  1. A GOOD SOURCE OF VALUES

    • Literature offers insights into human problems and nature, allowing readers to explore various perspectives on life's difficulties.

    • Provides values that help prepare individuals for unfamiliar situations.

  2. UNIVERSAL UNDERSTANDING & DIVERSE SOLUTIONS

    • Literature conveys the universality of human problems and potential solutions, facilitating a shared understanding among diverse audiences.

    • Focuses on practical solutions rather than theoretical ones.

  3. HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT

    • Literature contributes to the development of individuals into better human beings by encouraging reflection on actions and decisions.

    • Instills values such as respect, integrity, compassion, loyalty, understanding, and responsibility, enriching one's life.

  4. INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING AND WORLD PEACE

    • Literature connects people through shared human emotions, ultimately fostering inclusivity and peace.

    • Enables the exchange of various experiences and knowledge, allowing for commonality in addressing global issues.

  5. THINKING BEYOND THINKING

    • Literature expands horizons by allowing readers to explore new ideas and perspectives beyond their own experiences.

    • Emphasizes the importance of sharing stories as a path to understanding and growth.

7. PHILIPPINE LITERARY HISTORY

Geographic, Linguistic, and Ethnic Dimensions

  • This section examines how geography, language, and ethnicity shape Philippine literature.

  • Prepared by: Iya Carla Menor

Overview:

  1. Geographic Dimensions

    • Diverse geography fosters varied regional literary traditions.

    • Major regions include Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, each with distinct literary influences and practices.

  2. Linguistic Dimensions

    • Over 170 languages and dialects enrich literary expression within the country, leading to a wealth of literary works from different linguistic backgrounds.

  3. Ethnic Dimensions

    • Indigenous groups and migrant communities contribute significantly to themes and storytelling techniques across literature in the Philippines.

  4. Representative Texts and Authors

    • Exploration of significant literary works and their authors from each region, highlighting local contributions to Filipino literature.

  5. Contributions of Local Writers

    • Investigation of how local writers impact and sustain regional literary traditions, shaping cultural identity.

Geographic Dimensions (Specific Breakdown)

  • Luzon: North (Ilocos, Pangasinan, Cagayan), Central Luzon (Pampanga, Tarlac), South (Bicol, Quezon).

  • Visayas: Western Visayas (Panay, Negros), Eastern Visayas (Leyte, Samar).

  • Mindanao: Distinctions between Muslim Mindanao (Maguindanao, Tausug, Maranao) and Non-Muslim Mindanao (Davao, Cotabato).

Linguistic Dimensions (Specific Languages)

  • Tagalog: Basis of Filipino; significant works by Jose Rizal and Francisco Balagtas.

  • Cebuano: Prominent in Visayas and Mindanao; key figures include Vicente Sotto and Leoncio P. Deriada.

  • Ilocano: Literary works by Juan P. Panganiban and Aurelio Tolentino dominate Northern Luzon.

  • Waray-Waray: Recognized for works by Francisco Demetrio in the Eastern Visayas.

  • Hiligaynon: Influential in the Visayan region with its literary traditions.

Ethnic Dimensions (Specific Groups)

  • Tagalog Ethnic Group: Dominant in epic poetry, short stories, and plays.

  • Cultural Minorities: Indigenous literature reflects unique worldviews and oral traditions.

  • Muslim Mindanao: Rich in epic poetry and storytelling with significant cultural contributions.

8. ENGAGING IN ORAL HISTORY RESEARCH

Activities:

  1. Interviewing Local Authors/Storytellers: Gathering firsthand accounts about regional literary traditions.

  2. Field Research: Visits to historical sites and cultural centers that preserve oral traditions.

  3. Documenting Stories: Recording narratives, myths, and fables passed down by elders.

9. LOCAL WRITERS' CONTRIBUTIONS TO REGIONAL LITERARY TRADITIONS

  • Iloilo: Marcelino Foronda is noted for his short stories and poetry in Hiligaynon literature.

  • Cebu: Vicente Sotto and F. Sionil José are pivotal in Cebuano literature.

  • Bicol: Lualhati Bautista's novels are critical for understanding Bicolano struggles and perspectives.

10. THE ROLE OF LOCAL WRITERS IN PRESERVING HERITAGE

Responsibilities:

  1. Guardians of Oral Traditions: Upholding and transmitting rich oral narratives.

  2. Preserving Languages: Ensuring languages survive through literature.

  3. Reviving Cultures: Contributing to cultural heritage through written expression.

11. CONCLUSION

Key Points:

  • Philippine literary history is fundamentally shaped by geographic, linguistic, and ethnic factors.

  • An understanding of regional literature is essential for appreciating the cultural diversity of the Philippines.

  • Local writers are crucial for sustaining and promoting Filipino heritage through literature.

Call to Action:

  • Engage in regional literary research.

  • Discover and support local authors contributing to the preservation of Filipino culture.

12. ENGLISH SEVEN LITERARY STANDARDS

  1. Artistry: Aesthetically appealing literature that reveals or conveys hidden truths, exemplified by the works of James Joyce.

  2. Suggestiveness: Relies on emotional power, symbolism, and imagery to convey deeper meanings beyond the literal words.

  3. Intellectual Value: Literature promoting critical thinking and relevant societal insights, such as John Brooks' "Business Ventures."

  4. Spiritual Value: Motivating literature that inspires and uplifts the human spirit, guiding us toward higher moral ground.

  5. Permanence: Literature that endures through time. It is not ephemeral; it can be read over and over again, continually providing new insights and enjoyment across generations.

  6. Universality: Literature that appeals to everyone, regardless of culture, race, or time. It addresses themes and emotions that are common to all humanity.

  7. Style: The unique way an author expresses their thoughts. It involves the specific choice of words, sentence structures, and figurative language that distinguishes one writer from another.

13. TWO MAIN DIVISIONS OF LITERATURE

  1. Prose

    • Written in the form of ordinary sentences and paragraphs.

    • Focuses on characters, plot, and setting.

    • Examples: Short stories, novels, essays, and biographies.

  2. Poetry

    • Written in lines and stanzas.

    • Often utilizes rhythm, rhyme, and figurative language to evoke emotion.

    • Highly structured and relies heavily on imagery.