Afro-Asian Literature

Chinese Literature
Chinese

literature

has

very

ancient

beginnings. It was first recorded about 5,000 years ago and has since documented the dreams and visions of a people who number about one-fifth of the worlds

population.

Chinese Language
The not four idea in the is Chinese have language any is monosyllabic, words give number limited; language. but The and does has the words because same polysyllabic This the is tonal might which you of

syllables. that

language a

Chinese

word

changes

in

meaning

when

it

is

said.

Chinese Writing
Chinese writing is different. It has
no alphabet; instead it consists of

about

50,000

characters.

Each

character does not represent the spoken word; instead it represents an idea. Chinese writing is, therefore, made up of ideographs.

Confucius
was a Chinese thinker and

social

philosopher,

whose

teachings and philosophy have deeply Korean, influenced Japanese, Chinese, and

Vietnamese thought and life.

Two Greatest Chinese Poets

Li Po, or Li Tai Po, was one
of

the leading Chinese poets of the eight century. His writings deal with the good things in life and with the

pathos of human destiny.

Two Greatest Chinese Poets

Po-Chu-I was well-known Chinese poet who represented the classical tradition in Chinese

literature, politics, and morality. He

was a public official who was

inspired by a strong social

conscience.

Japanese Literature

The Japanese are intensely

proud of their history and take great care in keeping and

preserving records. In cities there are professional storytellers who earn their livelihood by narrating

legendary and historical tales.

Japanese Written Language

The written language, therefore, consists mainly of

characters

borrowed

from

the

Chinese,

each

character representing an idea. But there now exists

in

Japan

basic

alphabet

of

only

forty-seven charactersthe Katakana .

Japanese Literary Works

Records of Ancient Matters, is the oldest surviving book in Japan. It is written in Chinese, but it includes numerous Japanese names and phrases.

Japanese Literary Works

Nihongi, is the second oldest book of in Japan. It is more elaborate and detailed than the Kojiki. It tells of the early history of Japan in poetry and shows the profound influence of the Chinese.

3 Types of Japanese Drama

Noh play-it was a play reserved
for nobility, and the audience dressed themselves in

ceremonial robes. Legend says

that the Noh has its origin in dance and that this dance was invented by the gods.

3 Types of Japanese Drama

Puppet play (or doll theater)-the puppets are beautifully made and lifelike in size. The strings are expertly manipulated and the dialogue realistically interpreted.

3 Types of Japanese Drama

Kabuki-it is less intellectual

and more realistic, even

sensational.

Japanese Poetry
Manyo Shu (collection of myriad leaves)- is the oldest collection of poetry and was compiled in A.D 800.

Haiku- is the most popular Japanese poetry and it is composed of a seventeen-syllable poem.

Philippine Literature
Philippine Literature has its roots in the efforts of the United States, which had been engaged in a war with Filipino nationalist forces at the end of the

19th century, to establish in the country a government based on the ideals of

"universality, practicality, and democracy."

Three Periods in Philippine Literature

The Legendary and Epic Age- the literature of this period consisted of magical incantations, myths, legends, and folktales. The Spanish Occupation- the literature during this period was religious in nature. The American Occupation- the Americans introduced the English language.

African Literature
The African works best known in the
West from the period of colonization and slave trade. With liberation and increased literacy since most African nations gained their independence in the 50s & 60s.

Rastafarianism
Rastafarianism is a religion that was created in the early 1900 hundreds due to the social and poor economic conditions of the Black people in

Jamaica. Their unique

hairstyle

know as the "dreadlocks.

Bob Marley
Marley is regarded by many as a

prophet of the Rastafarian

move-

ment. He is the most widely known performer of reggae music. was a song-writer,

Jamaican singer, guitarist, and activist.

La Amistad
it was originally named Friendship but
was renamed after being purchased by a Spaniard. La Amistad became

a symbol in the movement to abolish

slavery after a group of African captives aboard revolted.

Slave Trade
The history of slavery covers

many different forms of human

exploitation across many

cultures
history.

throughout

human