DEVELOPED BY SCHOOLS DIVISION OF SOUTH COTABATO

Name:_____________________________Grade & Section: 11 Score:_____________________

School: ___________________________Teacher:______________Subject:21st Century Literature_____
LAS Writer: RIZEL V. DEFIÑO____________________________________________________________
Content Editors: ZYNAFE V. CAIJO_ IZAH CHARLES M. DADEA RAFFY G. HERRERA___
Lesson Topic: Identify representative texts from Asia and Africa__Quarter 4 Week 1 LAS 1 _________
Learning Target/s: Discuss the background and characteristics of Asian Literature by geographical region_
EN11/12Lit-IIa-22________________________________________________________
Reference(s): Amoguis, S. Self Learning Modules Representative Texts and Authors from Asia and Africa First
Edition, 2020. pp. 12- 15.
Asia, the largest continent in the world, has a vast literary tradition in terms of scope and length of
existence.

East Asia - In the 14th century BCE, China, one of the world's cradles of civilization, began an
unbroken literary tradition. The long-term survival of their literary traditions has been made possible by the
preservation of the Chinese language (both spoken and written). It has maintained its integrity by being true to
its core personality. Poets such as Du Fu, Li Po, and Wang Wei of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), China's
golden age of literature, produced world-renowned literary works. Chinese authors are still innovative and
active in modern times, and they have helped to keep the Chinese literary heritage alive and well.

China's intellectual hegemony has had a major impact on Korea's literary heritage. Korean writers
wrote poetic pieces in Classical Chinese poetry as early as the 4th century CE, and then transformations
occurred in the 7th century. In the 15th century, Hangul, Korea's distinct writing system and national alphabet,
was established, ushering in a new age of Korean literature. The Korean War has left an everlasting
impression on contemporary Korean literature. The concepts of loneliness, conscience, disintegration, and
self-identity are prevalent in literary works in 1950.

Despite being inspired by the Chinese language and literature, Japan has a rich and distinct literary
heritage. It has a world-renowned poetry genre known as haiku (a simple descriptive poem with 17 syllables)
as well as a variety of theatrical styles. Noh (a popular Japanese theater style that is one of the world's oldest
extant theatrical forms) and Kabuki (traditional Japanese popular drama with singing and dancing
performed in a highly stylized manner).

Middle East—In the Middle East, the Arabic literary tradition has flourished. Islam is the core of culture
in this country, and it is a necessary aspect. Its literary heritage has evolved and inspired other literary
traditions such as Persian, Byzantine, and Andalusian. In contrast, other literary styles from various countries
have inspired Arabic literature. Arabic literature inspired and was influenced by European literature. Due to the
question of freedom of speech and the conflict between religious and secular forces, Arabic authors face
difficulties in creating literary texts in modern times.

South and Southeast Asia—India is South Asia's spiritual giant. The Vedas, the Brahmanas, and the
Upanishads are the foundations of Indian literature. The Veda, published in the Sanskrit language, initiated the
birth of Indian literary works as early as 1500 BCE. Authored literature first appeared in India around the 16th
century. English literature originated in the decades after British settlement, and it had a strong influence on
Indian literary cultures until the twenty-first century. Kalidasa is a well-known Indian author who is regarded as
the Hindu Shakespeare. Southeast Asian literary styles, in particular, are influenced by Buddhist, Thai, and
English cultures especially in Burma literature. A substantial part of the Sanskrit language and Islam culture is
reflected in Malaysian and Indonesian literature. In today's India, the influence of colonial rule can still be seen
in the inclusion of the English language in literary practices. Rabindranath Tagore, Prem Chand, Raja Rao, and
R.K. Narayan are among the most experienced and well-known Indian authors. Southeast Asia literature
presents themes on colonial and postcolonial experiences in Burmese literature and western literature
influences in Thailand literature.

Central Asian literature is distinguished by its literary features and political culture. In contemporary
Central Asian literature, Russian presence can still be seen. Any Central Asian authors and their literary works
have made their mark on the world stage.
Activity. Directions: Identify what is being asked. Write your answer on the space provided before each
number.
_________________1. It has a rich and unique literary history even though it has been influenced by the
Chinese language and Chinese literature.
_________________2. It is considered as a clear cultural giant in South Asia.
_________________3. A notable and famous Indian writer considered to be the Hindu Shakespeare.
_________________4. It is the foundation of culture in this region - an essential component.
_________________5. A short descriptive poem with 17 syllables.
_________________6. It is Korean’s distinct writing system and national alphabet, is developed in the 15th
century that gave new beginnings of Korean literature.
_________________7. The largest continent in the world has a vast literary tradition in terms of scope and
length of existence.
_________________8. The finest era of Chinese literature.
_________________9. It has different literary characteristics and political in culture.
_________________10. One of the world’s cradles of civilization.