CHAPTER II – The Development of Philippine Literature

LESSON 1

Understanding the Value of Literature

Name: Sapal, Norhata M.

Yr/Crs/Sec: 2/BSBIO/A

MAKE CONNECTIONS

Why is it important to maintain national identity in the age of globalization?

Globalization, thought of as the world wide integration of the economic processes of

both production and consumption, does present lots of problems to the cultural notes
and folkways and cultural patterns of every nation in its path. National identity has been
pivotal to the fortunes of modern states. When channeled in the form of an exclusive
and intolerant ethno nationalism, it can drive acts of persecution and aggression. Yet
national identities can also be built around liberal and democratic political values, and
around the shared experiences of diverse communities. National identity not only
enhances physical security, but also inspires good governance; facilitates economic
development; fosters trust among citizens; engenders support for strong social safety
nets; and ultimately makes possible liberal democracy itself. Even in the age of
globalization national identity is important. In the end a nation is the largest unit of
natural solidarity. Thus, in order for a specific country to be unite, national identity
should be maintained. 

USE READING SKILLS: The Author’s Purpose

Authors write with an aim or purpose in mind. The style of writing often reflects the
author’s purpose, which could be to entertain, to inform, to instruct, or to persuade. As you read
the article below, identify details related to the author’s purpose and fill in the information in the
Author’s Purpose Chart. An example has been done for you.
 Author’s Purpose Chart

Author’s Purpose: to inform

Details:
My Evaluation: The author
The fact that, to this day, epics
continue to be included this information to
collected among ethnic groups emphasize to the readers the role of
is an indication oral literature, specifically epics, in
of the deep roots of this performing cultural identities. This
literary form in various information helps me understand
cultural communities. why the author asserts the idea that
oral literature translated in Filipino
language can serve as our cultural
bridge to other ASEAN nations.

Author’s Purpose: To persuade

Details: The oral literature of the Philippines
has a “pre-colonial past” which is still
recoverable; it needs a native language that
will allow it to make its oral literature a living
part of its contemporary culture.
My evaluation: This information is provided by
the author to persuade readers that there is a
method to preserve our national identity. It
made me understand that, even in this age of
globalization, we can still rediscover our
identity.

Author’s Purpose: To inform

My evaluation: The author included this

Details: Reconnecting with Southeast Asia
fortifies the Filipino by giving him a past that
colonial Education had closed off to him
information to educate the reader that there is
a widespread view that our country is on the
verge of being obsolete. It need a sense of area
to give it a greater identity as globalization
erodes national identities. Southeast Asia is
something we should remember.
PREVIEW VOCABULARY
 Key Words and Words and Phrases Definition Practice
Phrases in Context

Read each key word Read to see how the key Write down what you Practice using the
and rate it using this word or phrase can be think the word or key words and
scale: used in a sentence. phrase means. Then phrases by
① I don’t know this use a dictionary to completing the
word or phrase at check your definition. following sentences.
all.
② I’ve seen this
word or phrase
before.
③ Know this word
or phrase and use it.

form Narrative, lyric, and My own definition: Song is a form of

[ˈfȯrm] dramatic are forms of physical appearance lyric poetry that…
noun poetry.
① ② ③ Dictionary’s
definition: the shape
and structure of
something as
distinguished from its
material

rudimentary You need to have at My own definition: One rudimentary

ru·di·men·ta·ry least a rudimentary preliminary function of
[ ˌrü-də-ˈmen-tə-rē] understanding of computer is …
adjective technology before you Dictionary’s
① ② ③ can upload a video on definition: involving
that website. or limited to basic
principle

sophisticated Some sophisticated My own definition: The encryption

so·phis·ti·cat·ed programs require that have complex codes being used by
[sə-ˈfi-stə-ˌkā-təd] passwords contain understanding about criminals are
adjective letters and numbers. many things incredibly
① ② ③ sophisticated and …
Dictionary’s
definition: proceeding
from a great deal of
worldly experience
and knowledge of
fashion and culture

Legacy A monumental legacy in My own definition: Ferdinand

leg·a·cy astronomy is Galileo’s passed by generation Magellan’s
[ ˈle-gə-sē] telescopic observations to generation expedition in 1522
noun of the heavens. left a legacy of …
① ② ③ Dictionary’s
definition: an amount
of money or property
left to someone in a
will

contextualize Module writers must My own definition: to Teacher Lea

con·tex·tu·al·ize contextualize texts and address something contextualizes the
 An excerpt from “Southeast Asian Literary
Traditions and the Philippines”
An Article by Bienvenido L. Lumbera

ANALYZE LITERATURE:
Genres: Enumerate the various forms of Philippine oral literature and the functions they serve.

 Riddles and Proverbs as the vehicle for familiarizing the younger member of the community
with their immediate environment and for instructing them on the basic values.
 Songs- its function to determine the occasion and the manner of singing
 Myths and Folktales - to help understand their environment and relationships with one
another and help them to cope with their problems
 Epics- long narrative poems in w/c a series of heroic achievements or events, usually a hero, are
dealt with at length.

Genres: What special function does an epic serve?

An epic is a long narrative poem that is elevated and dignified in theme, tone, and style. As a
literary device, an epic celebrates heroic deeds and historically (or even cosmically) important events.
Epics serves as the bearer of the culture and to preserve their identity and their values.

NOTE THE FACTS:

What makes it difficult for oral literature such as epics to be incorporated into the literary
component of the curriculum for Philippine schools?

What makes oral literature difficult to incorporate into the curriculum is that the bulk of epics are
written in several languages, making it impossible to produce an appropriate rendition.

What language is proposed by the author to be used in reclaiming Philippine oral literature?

Filipino

THINK AND REFLECT:

Do you think recovering our oral literature through our national language Filipino is our best
strategy for establishing our sense of identity as Filipinos and for our survival in the era of
globalization? Explain.

Yes, our language is really our identity. It is our culture. The Filipino language would be the
finest technique for recovering our oral literature; the pre-colonial history is recoverable if we integrate it
into our present culture. The Filipino language is our identity; we can see and experience the culture via
our own language.

AFTER READING
READING CHECK

1. Which of the following is NOT true about literature?

A. It is one of the ways people in the community shape their own worlds, and value their
traditions.
B. It speaks of life—emotions, situations, and ideas.
C. It orients and guides the young.
D. It devalues the cultural fabric of the community where it comes from.

2. Which of the following oral literary genre is in rhyming verse and expresses norms and
community beliefs?
A. folktale C. riddle
B. proverb D. myth

3. Which of the following literary genre begins with the line, “In the beginning, the earth was
dark…”?
A. epic C. creation myth
B. Song D. folktale

4. Which of the following is a long narrative poem that talks about the adventures of a hero?
A. song C. folktale
B. epic D. myth

5. What determines the occasion and manner of singing of a song?

A. function C. style
B. artistic conventions D. central idea

6. What value does the following proverb teach?

“You will not know what is coming unless you make a trip.”
A. intelligence C. initiative
B. guilt D. industry

7. What value does the following proverb teach?

“Natutuwa kung pasalop. Kung singili’y napopoot.”(Full of good cheer while borrowing a
measure of rice. Full of wrath when you ask him to pay it back.)
A. honesty C. loyalty
B. responsibility D. understanding

8. Which of the proverbs is NOT about alertness?

A. If you want a chance, be quick in moving.
 B. If the chicken is not on guard, the eagle sweeps upon it.
C. If you can spot the quarry, you are the winner.
D. Not all that glitters is gold.

9. According to the article, what makes the reading of our literature unexciting and less
meaningful?
A. the subject of the literary pieces
B. the function of the literary piece
C. English as the medium of translation and instruction
D. the rich symbolisms and creative expressions used in the literature

10. Members of a tribe or race can have common myths which serve varied purposes, EXCEPT:
A. trace a portion of their history C. suggest a religious or moral truth
B. explain natural phenomena D. predict future calamities.

VOCABULARY CHECK

Circle the letter of the correct answer.

1. “Mundane matters such as paying bills and shopping for food do not interest her.” What
does mundane mean?
A. ordinary C. exceptional
B. noble D. unique

2. “The Benedictines have been best known as educators and as preservers of antique texts.”
What does preserver mean?
A. A person that destroys something
B. A person who maintains something in its original form
C. A person who exacts punishment or in return for an injury.
D. A person that mends or repairs something.

3. “Jake was an assiduous student, commonly spending fourteen hours a day among his
books.” What does assiduous mean?
A. careful C. passive
B. weird D. diligent

4. “Voters legitimize the government through the election of public officials" Which is NOT a
meaning of legitimize?
A. make official C. make legal
B. nullify D. validate
5. “It sounds paradoxical: the events that made the universe habitable were catastrophic.”
Which is NOT a meaning of paradoxical?
A. temporary C. incongruous
B. Inconsistent D. inconsistent

USE READING SKILLS: Evaluate Author’s Purpose

1. Review your Author’s Purpose Chart. Why did the author write this article?
Bienvenido L. Lumbera published this article to inform and persuade readers
about the state of oral literature. The author invites us to take a position for the
preservation of our history, culture, customs, and language. He wants us to understand
how oral literature shapes who we are and the importance of connecting with other South
East Asian countries.

2. How do the details and information included in the article enhance the author’s purpose?

The author's details and material in this essay back up his claims about the issues and the
current state of Philippine literature. The specifics and information are rather simple to grasp,
making it simple for him to express his message.