🌄World Literature II
Indigenous literatures offer unique perspectives on cultural identity, colonialism, and human-nature relationships. These diverse traditions span continents, blending oral storytelling with written forms to preserve ancestral wisdom and challenge Western literary norms.
World Literature II explores how Indigenous authors address themes like land connection, cultural preservation, and identity. Their works contribute to global literary dialogues, influencing postcolonial studies and environmental literature while gaining recognition on the world stage.
Indigenous South African poetry as conduits of History: Epi-poetics – a pedagogy of memory View original
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Orality – Indigenous Knowledge through Oral Narratives | ETEC540: Text Technologies View original
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Indigenous Literature - Education - Teaching English Language Arts - LibGuides at University of ... View original
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Indigenous South African poetry as conduits of History: Epi-poetics – a pedagogy of memory View original
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Orality – Indigenous Knowledge through Oral Narratives | ETEC540: Text Technologies View original
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Indigenous South African poetry as conduits of History: Epi-poetics – a pedagogy of memory View original
Is this image relevant?
Orality – Indigenous Knowledge through Oral Narratives | ETEC540: Text Technologies View original
Is this image relevant?
Indigenous Literature - Education - Teaching English Language Arts - LibGuides at University of ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Indigenous South African poetry as conduits of History: Epi-poetics – a pedagogy of memory View original
Is this image relevant?
Orality – Indigenous Knowledge through Oral Narratives | ETEC540: Text Technologies View original
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1 of 3
Activism in literature refers to the use of written works—such as novels, poetry, essays, and plays—as a means to promote social change, advocate for marginalized communities, and raise awareness about social injustices. This form of literature serves not only as a reflection of society's struggles but also as a call to action, motivating readers to engage with important social issues. Through powerful narratives and compelling characters, activism in literature challenges prevailing norms and encourages critical thinking about justice, equality, and human rights.
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Activism in literature refers to the use of written works—such as novels, poetry, essays, and plays—as a means to promote social change, advocate for marginalized communities, and raise awareness about social injustices. This form of literature serves not only as a reflection of society's struggles but also as a call to action, motivating readers to engage with important social issues. Through powerful narratives and compelling characters, activism in literature challenges prevailing norms and encourages critical thinking about justice, equality, and human rights.
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Cultural identity refers to the shared characteristics, values, beliefs, and practices that define a group of people and shape their collective identity. It encompasses the influences of ethnicity, language, religion, and traditions, often serving as a means for individuals to connect with their heritage and community. This concept is crucial in various literary contexts, especially in understanding how stories reflect the experiences and histories of different cultures.
Ethnicity: A social group that shares a common and distinctive culture, language, or heritage, influencing its members' identity and experiences.
Diaspora: The dispersion of any people from their original homeland, which often leads to the blending of cultural identities and influences.
Intercultural dialogue: An exchange of ideas and perspectives between individuals from different cultural backgrounds, promoting understanding and respect.
Cultural preservation refers to the efforts made to protect, maintain, and promote the traditions, languages, arts, and historical practices of a community or group. This process is vital for maintaining cultural identity and continuity, especially in the face of globalization and modernization, which can threaten the survival of unique cultures. It plays a crucial role in both African and Indigenous literatures, as these forms of expression often reflect the values, histories, and struggles of their respective communities.
Oral Tradition: A method of passing down stories, histories, and knowledge through spoken word rather than written texts, often used in many African and Indigenous cultures.
Cultural Heritage: The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society inherited from past generations, including customs, practices, and cultural expressions.
Decolonization: The process of deconstructing colonial ideologies and practices, which often involves reclaiming cultural identity and heritage among colonized peoples.
Creation stories are traditional narratives that describe the origins of the world, humanity, and the universe, often involving deities, supernatural beings, and significant events. These tales are a vital part of cultural identity for Indigenous peoples, providing explanations for natural phenomena and moral lessons that shape their worldview and values.
mythology: A collection of myths belonging to a particular religious or cultural tradition that explains natural or social phenomena.
oral tradition: The practice of passing down stories, history, and cultural knowledge through spoken word rather than written texts.
cosmogony: A branch of mythology that deals specifically with the origin of the universe and the creation of the world.
Louise Erdrich is an acclaimed Native American author known for her richly woven narratives that explore themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage. Her works often draw upon her Chippewa heritage and reflect the experiences of Indigenous peoples in contemporary society, making her a prominent voice in Indigenous literatures.
Native American Literature: A body of written works by Indigenous authors that encompasses a variety of genres, reflecting the diverse cultures, histories, and experiences of Native peoples in North America.
Chippewa Tribe: A Native American tribe primarily located in the northern Midwest of the United States and southern Canada, known for its distinct culture, language, and traditions.
Magical Realism: A literary genre that incorporates fantastical elements into realistic settings, often used by authors to convey deeper truths about reality through symbolic storytelling.
Sherman Alexie is a prominent Native American author, poet, and filmmaker known for his exploration of contemporary Indigenous life in the United States. His works often tackle themes of identity, culture, and the struggles faced by Native Americans, blending humor with poignant social commentary.
Native American Literature: A body of literature produced by Indigenous peoples in the United States that encompasses a diverse range of genres and styles, reflecting the rich cultures and histories of Native communities.
Reservation: A designated area of land managed by a Native American tribe under the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs, often reflecting the socio-economic challenges faced by Indigenous peoples.
Indigenous Identity: The sense of belonging and cultural identity experienced by Indigenous peoples, often shaped by historical experiences, community values, and the ongoing impact of colonization.
Leslie Marmon Silko is a prominent Native American writer known for her contributions to Indigenous literature, particularly through her novels, short stories, and poetry that highlight the experiences and perspectives of Native peoples. Her work often intertwines personal narratives with traditional storytelling, exploring themes of identity, culture, and the relationship between humans and nature.
Laguna Pueblo: The Indigenous community in New Mexico to which Leslie Marmon Silko belongs, significantly influencing her writing and cultural identity.
Ceremony: A novel by Leslie Marmon Silko that explores the healing process of a World War II veteran through a blend of traditional Native American rituals and contemporary issues.
Native American Renaissance: A literary movement in the late 20th century that saw a resurgence of Indigenous voices in literature, with writers like Silko gaining recognition for their unique perspectives.
Thomas King is a prominent Indigenous Canadian author, storyteller, and academic, known for his influential works that address themes of identity, culture, and colonialism within Indigenous contexts. His writing often blends humor with profound insights, challenging stereotypes and exploring the complexities of Indigenous life in contemporary society.
Indigenous Literature: A body of literary work produced by Indigenous peoples, reflecting their cultures, histories, and perspectives.
Postcolonialism: A critical framework that analyzes the effects of colonialism on cultures and societies, often emphasizing the voices and experiences of colonized peoples.
Storytelling: The art of conveying stories through oral or written means, central to many Indigenous cultures and an important aspect of King's work.
Joy Harjo is a prominent Native American poet, musician, and author, recognized as the first Native American Poet Laureate of the United States. Her work often explores themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the complexities of life as a Native woman, connecting deeply with Indigenous literatures and the spiritual ties to land and community.
Indigenous Poetics: A literary approach that draws from the oral traditions, cultural stories, and histories of Indigenous peoples, reflecting their unique experiences and worldviews.
Native American Renaissance: A period starting in the 1960s marked by a resurgence of Native American literature and art, characterized by increased visibility and recognition of Indigenous voices in mainstream culture.
Ancestral Connections: The bonds and relationships that individuals maintain with their forebears, often expressed through storytelling, traditions, and cultural practices within Indigenous communities.
Alexis Wright is an award-winning Indigenous Australian author, known for her powerful storytelling and representation of Aboriginal culture and experiences. Her works often explore themes of identity, connection to land, and the impact of colonialism on Indigenous communities, making her a significant figure in contemporary Indigenous literatures.
Indigenous Literature: Literature created by Indigenous authors that reflects the cultural, social, and historical experiences of Indigenous peoples.
Narrative Voice: The distinctive style or perspective through which a story is told, which can greatly influence how readers understand and relate to the characters and themes.
Cultural Representation: The depiction of a culture in literature, art, or media that can either reinforce stereotypes or promote a deeper understanding of that culture.
Kim Scott is an acclaimed Indigenous Australian author known for his works that explore the complexities of Aboriginal identity and culture. His writing often addresses themes of colonization, reconciliation, and the ongoing impacts of Australia's colonial past on Indigenous communities. Scott's narratives serve as a bridge between traditional Indigenous storytelling and contemporary literary forms, reflecting both personal and collective experiences.
Indigenous Australian Literature: A literary genre that encompasses the written works produced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors, often highlighting cultural heritage, social issues, and historical narratives.
Postcolonialism: An academic discipline that examines the cultural, political, and economic legacies of colonialism, particularly focusing on the perspectives of formerly colonized peoples.
Reconciliation: The process of restoring relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, often involving acknowledgment of past injustices and efforts toward social justice and equality.
Melissa Lucashenko is an Australian author known for her compelling narratives that highlight the experiences of Indigenous Australians. Her works often explore themes of identity, culture, and social issues, providing insight into the lives of Aboriginal people in contemporary Australia. Lucashenko's writing is significant for its authenticity and contribution to Indigenous literatures, making her a vital voice in the literary landscape.
Indigenous Literature: A body of written works produced by Indigenous authors that reflect their cultures, histories, and experiences.
Cultural Identity: The sense of belonging to a particular culture, often shaped by shared experiences, traditions, and values.
Postcolonialism: A critical framework that examines the effects of colonialism on cultures and societies, focusing on issues of identity, power, and resistance.
Tony Birch is an Australian author known for his powerful storytelling that often highlights the experiences and struggles of Indigenous people in Australia. His works delve into themes of identity, loss, and connection to the land, making significant contributions to Indigenous literatures and enriching the literary landscape with authentic voices and narratives.
Indigenous Literature: A genre of literature that encompasses works created by Indigenous authors, reflecting their cultures, histories, and worldviews.
Cultural Heritage: The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society inherited from past generations, including traditions, language, and art.
Postcolonialism: A critical academic approach that examines the effects of colonialism on cultures and societies, addressing issues of power, identity, and resistance.
Witi Ihimaera is a prominent New Zealand writer known for his significant contributions to Indigenous literature, particularly focusing on the Māori experience. His works often explore themes of identity, culture, and the connection to land, making him a vital figure in the representation of Māori voices in contemporary literature.
Māori: The indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand, who have a rich culture and history that is central to Witi Ihimaera's writing.
Pākehā: A term used in New Zealand to refer to people of European descent, often contrasting with Māori identity and perspectives.
Indigenous literature: Literature created by Indigenous authors that reflects their cultures, traditions, and social issues, often serving as a means of cultural expression and resistance.
Patricia Grace is a prominent Māori author from New Zealand, known for her contributions to Indigenous literature. Her writing often explores themes of identity, culture, and the experiences of Māori people, reflecting the deep connection between her characters and their land. Through her works, Grace has played a vital role in raising awareness about Māori issues and preserving Indigenous narratives.
Māori: The indigenous people of New Zealand, who have their own distinct language, culture, and traditions.
Postcolonial literature: A genre of literature that addresses the impact of colonization on cultures and societies, often highlighting the voices of marginalized groups.
Cultural identity: The sense of belonging to a particular culture or ethnic group, encompassing shared beliefs, values, and practices.
Keri Hulme is a New Zealand author known for her significant contributions to literature, particularly through her exploration of Māori culture and identity. She gained international recognition for her novel 'The Bone People', which won the Booker Prize in 1985, blending elements of magic realism with profound themes of belonging and spirituality.
The Bone People: 'The Bone People' is Keri Hulme's award-winning novel that tells the story of a reclusive artist, a young boy, and a man who become intertwined in their journeys of healing and understanding within a backdrop of Māori culture.
Māori Culture: The indigenous culture of New Zealand, characterized by its unique language, mythology, crafts, and performing arts, which plays a central role in Hulme's literary works.
Magic Realism: A literary genre that incorporates fantastical elements into realistic settings, often used by Hulme to enhance the spiritual and cultural aspects of her narratives.
Hone Tuwhare was a prominent New Zealand poet of Māori descent, known for his impactful and evocative poetry that reflects the rich cultural heritage and identity of the Māori people. His works often explore themes of nature, social justice, and the struggles of indigenous peoples, connecting deeply with the broader discourse of indigenous literatures around the world.
Māori: The indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand, with their own unique language, culture, and traditions.
Postcolonial Literature: A body of literature that responds to the aftermath of colonial rule, often addressing themes of identity, displacement, and cultural recovery.
Oratory: The art of public speaking, which is an important aspect of Māori culture, used for storytelling, rituals, and preserving history.
Alan Duff is a New Zealand author and playwright known for his contributions to contemporary indigenous literature, particularly in relation to the Māori experience. His works often explore themes of identity, culture, and social issues faced by Māori people, bridging the gap between traditional narratives and modern storytelling techniques.
Māori: The indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand, with their own distinct culture, language, and traditions.
Postcolonial literature: A body of literature that responds to the cultural legacies of colonialism and imperialism, often giving voice to marginalized perspectives.
Cultural identity: The identity or feeling of belonging to a group based on shared culture, language, traditions, and heritage.