Oceanic literature

Oceanic literature

Oceanic (Australia, Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia) literature developed in isolation from the rest of the world and in a unique geographic environment. This allowed the development of a unique literature to thrive. Oceanic literature was heavily inflenced by religion and ritual. This can be seen by the large amount of religious symbolism featured in it.

Another major thing that influenced Oceanic society was its intricate oral tradition. For a long time, most Oceanic literature was not written down. As a result, stock formulas and rhyming were used in many works (these traits made it easier to memorize). Gods, creation myths, and spirits are also prominent in Oceanic litearture, showcasing again the influence oral tradition had on the literature of Oceania.

Oceanic literature is written mainly in the English language.

References

  • (2007). In Britannica Concise Encyclopedia [1]. Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved on December 14, 2007.

Goetzfridt, Nicholas J. (1995). Indigenous Literature of Oceania: A Survey of Criticism and Interpretation.Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.

v · d · e Oceanic literature
Sovereign states
  • Australia
  • East Timor (Timor-Leste)
  • Fiji
  • Indonesia
  • Kiribati
  • Marshall Islands
  • Federated States of Micronesia
  • Nauru
  • New Zealand
  • Palau
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Samoa
  • Solomon Islands
  • Tonga
  • Tuvalu
  • Vanuatu
Dependencies and
other territories
  • American Samoa
  • Christmas Island
  • Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  • Cook Islands
  • Easter Island
  • French Polynesia
  • Guam
  • Hawaii
  • New Caledonia
  • Niue
  • Norfolk Island
  • Northern Mariana Islands
  • Pitcairn Islands
  • Tokelau
  • Wallis and Futuna
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