Oceanian literature

Oceanian (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. Oceanian 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 Oceanian society was its intricate oral tradition. For a long time, most Oceanian 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 Oceanian literature, showcasing again the influence oral tradition had on the literature of Oceania.

Modern Oceanian literature is mainly written in the English language.

List of Countries

Prominent writers

Australia

Fiji

Kiribati

Teweiariki Teaero

Marshall Islands

Federated States of Micronesia

Luelen Bernart

Nauru

New Zealand

Palau

Susan Kloulechad

Papua New Guinea

Samoa

Solomon Islands

Tonga

Tuvalu

Afaese Manoa

Vanuatu

References

'Oceanic literature', Guiart, Jean in 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.

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