Literature
How does the literature during the Spanish era differ from the literature during the pre-colonial era?
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How does the literature during the Spanish era differ from the literature during the pre-colonial era?
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The literature of the Philippines experienced significant changes when the Spanish colonized the islands. Here's a comparison:
Pre-Colonial Literature:
- Oral Tradition: Primarily oral, including myths, legends, folktales, epics, and indigenous rituals.
- Forms: Included proverbs, riddles, songs, and chants which were community-based and served practical purposes such as education, entertainment, and preserving history.
- Content: Focused on nature, gods, heroes, and everyday life, reflecting the values and beliefs of various tribes.
- Language: Utilized ancient scripts like Baybayin and was specific to each tribal language.
Spanish Colonial Literature:
- Written Tradition: Shift from oral to written literature, heavily influenced by the Spanish language and Catholic themes.
- Forms: Introduction of new literary forms such as poems, essays, and plays written in Spanish and local languages. Religious literature like catechisms, prayer books, and novenas were common.
- Content: Focused on religious teachings, moral values, and the lives of saints. Some works reflected the experiences of colonization and resistance.
- Language: Spanish became the language of the elite, while local languages incorporated Spanish loanwords.
In summary, pre-colonial literature was largely oral, community-based, and focused on indigenous traditions. Spanish colonial literature was written, influenced by Spanish culture and religion, and served as a tool for colonization and conversion.