Linguistic Context in 21st Century Literature

1. GUESS WHO?
I often work in the early
morning when the light is
best. The canvas has had
time to dry overnight. When I
start, I make sure all of my
brushes are clean.
painter

2. What is a linguistic context?
-discourse that surrounds a
language unit and helps to
determine its interpretation

3. Here are some reasons to read literature
through the linguistic context:
Reading the text on its own, regardless of
the author’s biography and sociocultural
context, may help you understand the
literary text through analyzing the words,
sentences, patterns, imagery, etc. of the
text.

4. Reading through a linguistic
context focuses on the language
used in the literary work and how
it is used to convey meaning.

5. The following are some strategies you may use
to read a text through the linguistic context:
Analyze the diction or choice of words
in the text.

6. “Isang Dipang Langit”
by Amado V. Hernandez
Ako’y ipiniit ng linsil na puno
hangad palibhasang diwa ko’y piitin,
katawang marupok, aniya’y pagsuko,
damdami’y supil na’t mithiin ay supil.

7. The following are some strategies you may use
to read a text through the linguistic context:
Analyze the diction or choice of words
in the text.
Observe the use of figurative language.

8. Ang maghapo’y tila isang tanikala
na kala-kaladkad ng paang madugo
ang buong magdamag ay kulambong
luksa
ng kabaong waring lungga ng bilanggo.

9. The following are some strategies you may use
to read a text through the linguistic context:
Analyze the diction or choice of words
in the text.
Observe the use of figurative language.
Analyze the mood and tone of the text.

10. Kung minsan, ang gabi’y biglang
magulantang
sa hudyat – may takas! – at asod ng punlo;
kung minsa’y tumangis ang lumang
batingaw,
sa bitayang moog, may naghihingalo.

11. The following are some strategies you may use
to read a text through the linguistic context:
Analyze the diction or choice of words in
the text.
Observe the use of figurative language.
Analyze the mood and tone of the text.
Analyze the over all content of the text.

12. Over all, the poem is all about the life of
Amado Hernandez in prison. He wrote the
poem on April 22, 1952 in Muntinlupa prison.
In depth understanding, the poem is more
likely a reflection and it pertain to us, being
colonized for years…

13. Here are guide questions that may help you
when you read literature through the
linguistic context:
What were the striking/unfamiliar words in the text?
What literary devices are used? Are there images?
What is the tone?
Is the speaker happy about the subject?
Is the tone negative or positive?
How do literary elements contribute to the
effectiveness of the text.

14. Read the poem written by Cirilio
Bautista.

15. Unlocking of Difficulties
1.rotting – to slowly decay or cause
(something) to decay
2.commandeer- to take (something, such
as a vehicle or building) by force especially
for military purposes.
3.tyrant – someone who uses power in a
cruel and unfair way

16. 4.metaphor – an object, activity,
or idea that is used as a symbol of
something else
5.parched - very dry especially
because of hot weather and no rain
Unlocking of Difficulties

17. THIRD WORLD GEOGRAPHY
by Cirilio Bautista
A country without miracles
Sits heavy on the map,
Thinking of banana trees rotting
In the sunlight.
The man who watches over it
Has commandeered all hopes,
Placed them in a sack,
And tied its loose end.

18. He goes around carrying it
On his back.
When asked what is inside,
He say, “Just a handful of feathers,
Just a handful of feathers.”
That’s how light the burden
Of government is in peace time –
Any tyrant can turn it into a metaphor.

19. You kneel on the parched earth
And pray for rice. Only the wind
Hears your useless words.
The country without miracles
Tries to get up from the page,
But the bold ink and sharp colors
Hold it down.

20. Linguistic Context refers to the
context within the discourse, that is,
the relationship between the words,
phrases, sentences and even
paragraphs.

21. Meanings from the Third World Geography
by Cirilo Bautista
1. Poverty - People who live in
poverty are usually envisioned
working under the scorching sun.
It symbolizes hardship and the cruel
conditions of the work environment.

22. 2. Hope - This is something that
everyone living has every mentioned
except that the degree upon which it is
needed differs. Governments of third
world countries create false hopes by
convincing themselves that hardship
is "just a handful of feathers" that
can be easily carried.

23. 3. Hunger - This is the most
common causes of death among
young children in these poverty-
stricken countries. No food and
water. No one can overcome
hunger and plant rice on
"parched earth."

24. 4. Government - "Only the wind
hears your useless words."
Corruption and bad politics. They know
the needs, they know the numbers and
yet most keep a deaf ears on poverty
and hunger. The rich get only richer and
the corrupt becomes the devil's
advocate.

25. The hope, the miracle that one day
everything will change is something
far-fetched.
Only God knows when the history
of these third world countries can
be changed and written in a better
color.