Indonesia & Singapore - 21st-LT2
Indonesia & Singapore - 21st-LT2
Indonesia & Singapore - 21st-LT2
SINGAPORE
Learning Team 2
Indonesia and Singapore both boast
rich literary traditions that have
evolved over the years.
Indonesia
Background
Indonesia has a diverse cultural landscape comprising various
ethnicities, languages, and traditions.
Its literary history is deeply rooted in oral storytelling,
mythologies, and written manuscripts that date back centuries.
During the colonial period, Dutch colonization influenced
Indonesian literature. However, post-independence, there was a
surge in literary movements expressing nationalist sentiments
and cultural identity.
Popular Authors and Works
Leila S. Chudori
"Home" sheds light on Indonesia's political history during the
1965 communist purge.
exploring themes of displacement, loss, identity, and the search
for a place of safety and understanding amidst a turbulent
period in the country's history.
Popular Authors and Works
Andrea Hirata
"Laskar Pelangi" (The Rainbow Troops): This novel portrays the
lives of students on Belitong Island and their struggle for
education in challenging circumstances.
the theme of the transformative power of education and the
resilience of individuals in the face of adversity.
Tash Aw
(though born in Taipei, he's Malaysian and lived in the UK, but
his works often touch on Indonesian themes).
"Map of the Invisible World": While not entirely focused on
Indonesia, this novel intertwines stories from Indonesia,
Malaysia, and the wider region, exploring themes of identity and
historical events in the region.
Singapore
Background
The literature of Singapore comprises a collection of
literary works by Singaporeans in any of the country’s
four main languages: English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil.
Arthur Yap
Known for his poetry collection "Only Lines," Yap is regarded as
a significant figure in Singaporean literature.
"Only Lines" explores themes of identity, culture, and the human
experience in the context of Singaporean life.
Catherine Lim
Her novel "The Bondmaid" gained international attention for its
portrayal of social issues and historical settings.
explores themes of social hierarchy, power dynamics, and the
struggles faced by women in historical settings
Popular Authors and Works
Edwin Thumboo
A prominent poet, Thumboo's works explore themes of
nationhood, identity, and multiculturalism.
themes of nationhood, identity, and multiculturalism in his works.
Alfian Sa’at
Released his first book of poetry when he was just 21 years
old. His collection of short stories, Corridor, is a non-fiction
account based on his conversation with different people
who lived in public housing.
Popular Authors and Works
Cyril Wong
One of Singapore’s most successful poets, also one of only two
poets to win the Singapore Literature Prize twice.
His novel “The Last Lesson of Mrs. de Souza” revolves around
Mrs. de Souza, an elderly piano teacher who conducts her final
piano lesson with a young boy named Kevin. The story emphasizes
the significance of cherishing the beauty in life, the perseverance
in doing what one loves, and the implications of letting
opportunities slip away.
importance of seizing the moment, appreciating life's beauty, and
pursuing one's passions.
Indonesian literature Singapore literature
comprises a collection of literary works by
has a religious function. Singaporeans in any of the country's four
The songs or exorcisms were used main languages: English, Chinese, Malay and
during critical periods in the lives of the Tamil.
Indonesian people, be it in birth, death, Singaporean literary works may be
sickness, pregnancy, rice planting and considered to also belong to the literature of
harvesting, war, head hunting, or drought. their specific languages.
Inform them they are like the Biblical The literature of Singapore is viewed as a
Psalms. distinct body of literature portraying various
aspects of Singaporean society and forms a
They have no very strict formal pattern. significant part of the culture of Singapore.
Indonesian literature has seven orally A number of Singaporean writers, such as
transmitted prose forms, they are: Tan Swie Hian and Kuo Pao Kun, have
myths, animal stories, and Beast fables, contributed work in more than one language.
fairy tales, legends, puzzles, and riddles, However, this cross-linguistic fertilization is
anecdotes, and adventure stories. becoming increasingly rare and it is now
increasingly thought that Singapore has four
sub-literatures instead of one.
Thank you!