Republic of the Philippines

ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Department of Languages and Literature

Asian Literature (ASIANLITT100)

Course Title

Module 2

INTRODUCTION TO ASIAN LITERATURE

Meaning and Historical Background of Asian Literature

Asian literature represents a vast and diverse collection of literary traditions spanning
thousands of years, reflecting the cultural, philosophical, and historical contexts of regions from East
Asia to South Asia. These works are broadly classified into lyric, drama, and narrative, with each form
adapting to local values, languages, and sociopolitical influences while maintaining shared thematic
and aesthetic principles.

Lyric Literature

Lyric forms dominate Asian literary traditions, often emphasizing emotional expression and
brevity:

●​ Chinese poetry flourished during the Tang (618–907 CE) and Song (960–1279 CE) dynasties,
with classical styles like shi and ci focusing on nature, love, and philosophical reflection. The
Book of Songs, a foundational anthology of 305 poems, exemplifies early lyrical expression.
●​ Japanese poetry includes waka and haiku, with the Man’yoshu (8th-century anthology) and
Matsuo Bashō’s 17th-century haiku epitomizing simplicity and seasonal themes.
●​ Korean sijo emerged in the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), blending Confucian ideals with
personal emotion in three-line verses.

Dramatic Literature

Asian drama often integrates music, dance, and stylized performance:

●​ Chinese opera evolved from Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) zaju plays, focusing on historical or
romantic themes. Ming-era Kunqu opera emphasized lyrical dialogue.
●​ Japanese Noh theater (14th-century) used mask symbolism and minimalist staging, while
Kabuki (Edo period, 1603–1868) prioritized spectacle and emotional intensity.
●​ Indian Sanskrit drama, exemplified by Kalidasa’s Shakuntala (5th-century), blended
mythological narratives with poetic dialogue.

Narrative Literature

Narratives range from oral epics to modern novels:

●​ Chinese classics like Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Ming dynasty) and Dream of the Red
Chamber (Qing dynasty) blended historical fiction with social critique.
●​ Japanese monogatari (tales), such as The Tale of Genji (11th-century), pioneered psychological
 depth in prose, while Edo-era ukiyo-zōshi depicted urban life.
●​ Indian epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana (c. 400 BCE–400 CE) combined myth with
moral philosophy, influencing Southeast Asian shadow puppetry.

Modern authors like Rabindranath Tagore (India) and Lu Xun (China) fused traditional themes
with modernist techniques, addressing colonialism and identity.

Cultural Exchange and Influences

●​ Cross-regional adaptation: Chinese vernacular novels inspired Japan’s yomihon genre, while
Mongolian writers drew from Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
●​ Western impact: Translators like Lin Shu reimagined Western texts (e.g., Uncle Tom’s Cabin)
through Confucian lenses, while Japanese authors critiqued imperialism via Shakespearean
adaptations.
●​ Political resistance: Korean poets like Im Hwa subverted Japanese colonial censorship, while
Chinese writers reworked Japanese narratives to highlight wartime atrocities.

Asian literature’s richness lies in its ability to preserve cultural identity while adapting to
global influences. From lyrical poetry rooted in nature to politically charged dramas, these works
continue to shape and reflect the continent’s evolving narratives.

Asia: The Largest Continent

Asia, the largest continent on Earth, comprises 50 independent countries and occupies the
eastern part of the Eurasian landmass. It boasts a vast geographic and cultural diversity, influencing
its literature profoundly.

●​ The largest Asian country by area is Russia, accounting for approximately 30% of the
continent’s total territory.
●​ The smallest independent state is the Maldives, an archipelago renowned for its pristine
beach resorts.

Asian nations are often grouped into five main geographical and political-cultural divisions:

Armenia Brunei
Azerbaijan Cambodia
Bahrain East Timor(Timor-Leste)
Cyprus Indonesia
Georgia Laos
Iran Malaysia
Southeast
Iraq Myanmar (Burma)
Asia
Israel Philippines
Jordan Singapore
Kuwait Thailand
Southwest Asia
Lebanon Vietnam
(Middle East)
Oman Central and Kazakhstan
North Asia
Qatar Kyrgyzstan

Saudi Arabia Tajikistan

 Syria Turkmenistan
Turkey Uzbekistan
United Arab Emirates Russia (partly in Asia)
Yemen China
Afghanistan Japan
Bangladesh East Asia Mongolia
Bhutan North Korea
South Asia
India South Korea
Maldives Taiwan
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka

Ethnic and Linguistic Diversity

Asia is home to a vast array of ethnic groups, with two-thirds of its population belonging to
the Mongoloid group. The largest ethnic group is the Han Chinese, constituting about 94% of China’s
population and dominating the eastern half of the nation. The Japanese are the second-largest
ethnic group.

The continent's linguistic diversity is equally remarkable:

●​ Chinese is the most widely spoken language.

●​ Hindi ranks second.
●​ Arabic is the third major language.
●​ Russian follows as the fourth.
●​ English remains an official government language and serves as a unifying tongue in many
regions.

Religious Influences in Asian Literature

Asian literature has been greatly influenced by religion, which has inspired literary forms,
motifs, and narrative traditions in addition to themes and morals. Religious practices and beliefs have
influenced the creation of intellectual concepts, myths, and stories that appeal to both religious and
secular audiences in various parts of Asia. The primary religions and their literary impacts are briefly
explained below:

●​ Hinduism: One of the world's oldest religions, Hinduism has influenced literature through its
sacred texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, which
explore themes of dharma (duty), karma (action and consequence), and devotion.
●​ Islam: With the Qur'an as its central text, Islamic literature has inspired poetry (such as Sufi
mystical poetry), historical narratives, and philosophical treatises. Islamic calligraphy and
storytelling traditions, like those in One Thousand and One Nights, reflect its cultural impact.
●​ Buddhism: Buddhist literature, such as the Tripitaka, teaches ethical living, mindfulness, and
enlightenment. Fables and parables often illustrate moral lessons, and Buddhist poetry
emphasizes the transient nature of life.
●​ Taoism (indigenous to China): Taoist texts, like the Tao Te Ching by Laozi, explore harmony
with nature, simplicity, and spontaneity. These themes have inspired Chinese poetry,
philosophy, and visual arts.
 ●​ Confucianism (more a philosophy than a religion): Confucian teachings, found in works like
the Analects of Confucius, emphasize social harmony, respect for tradition, and moral conduct,
which have shaped Chinese literary traditions and societal values.
●​ Shinto (traditional Japanese nature worship): Shinto literature often celebrates the beauty of
nature and spiritual connection with natural elements, as seen in haiku and other traditional
Japanese poetry forms.
●​ Roman Catholicism and Protestantism (practiced mainly in the Philippines): The introduction
of Christianity during Spanish colonization deeply influenced Philippine literature, leading to
the creation of religious dramas like the Senakulo, as well as poems and essays that intertwine
religious faith with social and political commentary.

In nutshell, the connection of these various religious traditions has enhanced Asian literature
through providing readers with timeless perspectives on morality, spirituality, and human nature.

Asian Traditions and Culture

Asian traditions and customs remain deeply ingrained in the lives of its people, especially
during holidays, festivities, and other celebrations.

●​ Feng Shui: An ancient practice that identifies good and bad fortune, offering
recommendations to optimize positive energy flow in homes.
●​ Ikebana and Origami: Japan’s perfected arts of flower arrangement and paper folding,
respectively.
●​ Sumo Wrestling: An ancient Japanese sport rooted in heritage and respect.
●​ Simbang Gabi: A Filipino tradition where attending nine consecutive masses grants the
fulfillment of one’s wishes.

Several Festivals Across Asia

The continent celebrates a wide array of vibrant and colorful festivals:

●​ Eid: Celebrated twice a year by Muslims, originating from Saudi Arabia. Eid-ul-Fitr marks the
end of Ramadan, while Eid-ul-Adha involves the sacrifice of an animal.
●​ Chinese New Year: Also known as the Spring Festival, this two-week celebration brings
families together to share joy and happiness.
●​ Diwali: A popular Indian festival symbolizing the victory of good over evil, celebrated with
fireworks, firecrackers, and lights.

Unique Asian Customs

Practices are unique to Asian cultures:

●​ Universal Birthday on New Year (Tet in Vietnam): The New Year marks every citizen’s
birthday. An individual’s age is calculated based on the number of Tets celebrated.
●​ North Korean Christmas: Celebrated as the birthday of Kim Jong Il’s mother rather than a
conventional Christmas celebration.
●​ Grave Sweeping Day (China): Held during the Ching Ming Festival, descendants visit
cemeteries to clean and honor their ancestors' graves.

In conclusion, Asian literature gives an intricate and complex perspective on the rich cultural,
historical, and philosophical heritage of the continent. Understanding the ideas, morals, and creative
spirit that still shape Asian nations is greatly enhanced by reading these varied works.