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· Definition of Literature
To understand the definition of children’s literature very well, we need to first understand the concept literature. What then is literature? In this section, we will conceive the concept as (Stecker, 1996; Fialho, 2019)
- the total of preserved writings belonging to a given language or people. It is the class or the total of writings, of a given country or period, is which notable for literary form or expression, as distinguished, on the one hand, from works merely of technical or erudite and, on the other, from journalistic or other ephemeral writing.
- consisting of those writings which interpret the meanings of nature and life, in words of attraction and power, crafted with the personality of the author, in artistic forms of permanent interests. It is a product of life and about life, which uses language as medium
- We have imaginative literature or literature of power, which includes poems, short stories, novels, and plays. It interprets human experience by presenting fictitious persons, incidents, or situations, not by actual truths about particular events (fiction)
- We also have non-fiction or literature of knowledge, which includes biographies and essays which presents actual facts, events, experiences and ideas.
· Qualities of literature
A good literary work has the following qualities:
- It uses particular language quite different from any writing, e.g. technical writing.
- It is for all times and everlasting.
- It is a source of knowledge.
- It has a creator.
- It directs and reflects human life and society.
- It expresses an identity or thoughts of an individual or nation.
- It is an anxiety of an individual, a group, a society, a community or a nation.
- It is basically meant for entertainment or for pleasure and also imparts knowledge – preference changing over the years.
- It has particular reason behind its creation.
- It has no limit to the subject.
- It is most effective means of expressing emotions and feelings.
- It is significant art expressing truth and anxiety.
- It is a kind of revelation.
- It is marked by special kind of tests – universal and personal styles.
· Importance of Literature
Literature is a timeless piece of entertainment. As the innovations of technological advancements have grown in the 21st Century, the way we read has revolutionized and evolved. However, the essence of literature and the effect it has on our lives has not changed. Literature reflects human nature and a way we can learn and relate to others. By reading through a person’s perspective, we can fully immerse ourselves into a different mindset and figure out how others think and feel. This is important within today’s society as we are becoming increasingly detached from human interaction through iPhones and social media. Literature is something that will never change in the way it makes readers feel, regardless of whether it is on paper or as an eBook. Literature allows learners look back in time and learn about life and have a better understanding of culture and have a greater appreciation of them. The following are some basic benefits or importance of literature in general:
- It provides a language model for learners. Through literature, students learn new words, syntax and discourse functions and they learn correct sentence patterns, standard story structures
- It helps develop the writing skills of learners
- It improves learners’ communication skills. (it is the easiest way to improve vocabulary, writing, reading, and speaking skills of learners).
- It teaches learners about themselves.
- It teaches about the past.
- Literature cultivates wisdom and a worldview, develops cognitive skills of learners.
- It entertains.
- It has purpose and impact on society.
- It is a better way to understand each other and others; enables readers to see the world through the eyes of others (It helps readers to set aside their personal perspectives to see life through the eyes of someone who is of another age, class, or race; helps with appreciation for other cultures and beliefs).
- It sparks empathy and understanding (reading a book is one of the best ways to fully immerse your mind into another person’s experiences. Being able to empathize and understand other people’s feelings is a key aspect of helping the reader to connect to different regions, races, societies, and periods of time. They help a person take a closer look at the different facets of living aside from what they know and live which can change perspectives).
· Definition of Children’s Literature
When we think of a children's story today, we probably think of it as entertainment, rather than as a tool for moral instruction. The following are some definitions of children’s literature: (Lynch-Brown & Tomlinson, 2005; Fadiman, Clifton. "Children's literature". Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Jan. 2021, https://www.britannica.com/art/childrens-literature)
- It is sometimes defined as a collection of books written for children, read by children, and/or written about children.
- It is defined as material written and produced for the information or entertainment of children and young adults. It includes all non-fiction, literary and artistic genres and physical formats.
- It is any literature that is enjoyed by children. children's literature includes books, poems, and plays meant for children. Even though the genre is defined by its audience, children and adults alike enjoy stories intended for children.
- It is written work that is created for children and young adults. This can include works that are fiction or nonfiction. Children’s literature spans all genres of written work.
- It is a genre covering various works, written exclusively for children.
- Literature, including picture books, novels, nonfiction, graphic novels, and poetry written for children.
- It is good quality trade books for children from birth to adolescence, covering topics of relevance and interests to children of those ages, through prose and poetry, fiction and nonfiction
- It is literary work designed for peoples under 18 that focuses on, mostly, children protagonists-
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