Oceanic literature

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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 influenced 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 literature, 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 . 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 t e Oceanian literature

Sovereign states	Australia East Timor (Timor-Leste) Fiji 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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Oceanic literature

See also

References