Forms of Literature

Main thing

Forms of Literature refer to the methods through which literature is delivered to an audience. There are two primary forms:

1. Oral Literature: Also known as orature, this form includes stories, myths, and proverbs passed down verbally from generation to generation. It is a key part of cultural heritage and is often performed, involving elements of music, dance, and drama.

2. Written Literature: This form encompasses all written work, including prose, fiction, drama, poetry, and non-fiction genres like biographies and essays. It has evolved with technology, from handwritten texts to printed books and now digital formats.

Example: A grandmother telling her grandchildren folktales by the fireside is an instance of oral literature, while a novel like 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen represents written literature.

Terms

• Oral Literature: This is a form of literature that is spoken or sung as opposed to written. It includes stories, myths, proverbs, and songs. Example: Folktales told by elders in a community.

• Written Literature: This is a form of literature that is written down and can be read. It includes novels, poems, plays, and essays. Example: 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee.

An analogy

Think of oral literature as a live concert, where the performance is experienced in the moment and can vary each time. Written literature, on the other hand, is like a recorded album, where the content remains the same and can be revisited over time.

A main misconception

A common misconception is that oral literature is less valuable or sophisticated than written literature. However, oral literature is a rich and vital part of many cultures, carrying historical, moral, and social lessons. For example, many African societies have a rich tradition of oral storytelling that has been used for centuries to pass down cultural knowledge and values.

The history

1. Prehistoric Era: Oral literature was the only form of literature, with stories and knowledge passed down verbally.

2. Invention of Writing (around 3200 BC): Written literature began to emerge, starting with pictographs and cuneiform.

3. Printing Press (1440): The invention of the printing press made written literature more accessible.

4. Digital Age (late 20th century): Written literature expanded to include digital formats like e-books and online articles.

Quote: 'The spoken word was the first technology by which man was able to let go of his environment in order to grasp it in a new way.' - Marshall McLuhan, a renowned media theorist.

Three cases how to use it right now

1. Cultural Understanding: If you're traveling to a new country, understanding the forms of literature can help you connect with the local culture. You might attend a traditional storytelling event to experience oral literature, or read local authors to understand the written literature of the place.

2. Teaching: If you're an educator, you can use this knowledge to create engaging lesson plans. For example, you could organize a storytelling session to teach students about oral literature, or assign books to read as examples of written literature.

3. Content Creation: If you're a content creator, understanding these forms can help you decide the best way to present your content. For example, if you're creating content that tells a story or shares cultural information, you might choose to create a podcast (oral literature) or a blog post (written literature).

Interesting facts

1. The oldest known piece of written literature is the Epic of Gilgamesh, an ancient Mesopotamian poem dating back to around 2100 BC.

2. Many famous works of literature, like Homer's 'Iliad' and 'Odyssey,' began as oral literature before being written down.

3. The world's largest library, the Library of Congress, holds over 39 million books and other printed materials.

4. Oral literature is often used in education to improve memory and listening skills.

5. Digital literature, a subcategory of written literature, has seen a surge in popularity with the rise of e-books and digital publishing platforms.