Philippine literature is the literature associated with the Philippines and includes the legends of prehistory, and the colonial legacy of the Philippines. Most of the notable literature of the Philippines was written during the Spanish period and the first half of the 20th century in Spanish language. Philippine literature is written in Spanish, English, Tagalog, and/or other native Philippine language.
DEFINITION OF LITERATURE
The word literature is derived from the Latin term Litera which means letter. It has been defined by various writers. Because literature deals with ideas, thoughts and emotions of man, literature can be said to be the story of man. Man’s loves, griefs, thoughts, dreams, and aspirations coached in a beautiful language is Literature.
In order to know the history of a nation’s spirit, one must read its literature. Brother Azurin defines Literature that it expresses the feelings of people to society, to the government, to his surroundings, to his Fellowmen and to his Divine Creator.( Webster defines literature as anything that is printed, as long as it is related to the ideas and feelings of people, whether it is true, or just a product of one’s imagination.Salazar and Nazal says that true literature is a piece of written work which is undying.
In PANITIKANG PILIPINO written by Atienza, Ramos, Salazar and Nazal, it says that true literature is a piece of written work which is undying. It expresses the feelings and emotions of people in response to his everyday efforts to live, to be happy n his environment and, after struggles, to reach his Creator.
PERIODS OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE
I. PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD (--BC to 1564)
A. Characteristics 1. Based on oral traditions 2. Crude on ideology and phraseology
B. Literary Forms 1. Oral Literature a. Riddles (bugtong) – battle of wits among participants Tigmo – Cebu Paktakon – Ilonggo Patotdon - Bicol b. Proverbs