Contemporary Literature
TITIEN DIAH SOELISTYARINI
UNIVERSITAS AIRLANGGA
What makes Contemporary Literature
Contemporary ?
The presumptions:
Literature is best studied systematically in terms of
particular linguistic traditions; and
There is a close and inextricable relationship
between a particular language and a literary text
written in it – so that, to understand a literary text
fully, we need to pay attention to its distinctive use of
a particular language.
The Use of Translations
Comparative Literature
Through translations and adaptations, or through various levels of
influence, literary texts have often reached beyond obvious linguistic
and political boundaries
Postmodernism, Postcolonialism & Globalization
Focusing on the manner in which economic and social networks and
cultural exchanges associated historically with European colonialism,
and now with processes of global integration, affect literature.
Literary Translation
Taking into account the social political contexts as well as ideological
factors implicit in translating literature
Selection & Literary Canon
Conventionally, studying literature is done through:
o ‘literary canon’– a selection of exemplary authors and
texts
o ‘touchstones’ – usually classics; used to measure other
literary works due to its durability (standing the test of
time)
On the contrary, contemporary literature:
o is influenced by personal appeal
o often have an immediate appeal
Two Opposing Arguments on Classics
On the one hand,
o Too focused on writings from dominant groups (white, middle-
class, heterosexual, male); thus, excluding writings from
minorities & neglected groups (immigrants, non-white,
working-class, homosexual, female)
o Determined by who is politically powerful or part of dominant
majority
On the other hand,
o Have been exemplary for so long
o Have demonstrably influenced subsequent generations of
writers and their writings
“
… why contemporary literature is contemporary and
how it could be systematically studied, we need to
keep in mind the open-ended and shifting character
of the contemporary period.… literary texts that we
think of as contemporary now, and literary texts that
”
don’t exist yet and will become the contemporary
literature of tomorrow.
Specific Strategies