"Native American literature is literature, both oral and written, produced by Native Americans in what is now the United States."
A study of the literary and cinematic representations of Native American societies and culture and their impact on popular culture.
Native American Oral Traditions: Oral literature, including myths, legends, and storytelling, has played a significant role in Native American culture for centuries. Understanding these traditions is crucial to understanding Native American literature and film.
Colonial Literature and Film: This topic covers the European colonial influence on Native American literature and film. Colonialism had a profound impact on Native Americans, and this impact is evident in the works produced during this period.
Resistance Literature and Film: Throughout history, Native American writers and filmmakers have resisted colonialism and discrimination. This topic explores the resistance literature and film that emerged during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Contemporary Literature and Film: This topic covers the modern-day literature and film produced by Native Americans. These works reflect the contemporary issues faced by Native Americans and offer insight into the experiences of indigenous peoples in the modern world.
Identity: Identity is a central theme in much of Native American literature and film. This topic explores how Native Americans define themselves and how their identity is shaped by their culture and history.
Religion and Spirituality: Native American religion and spirituality are integral parts of their culture. Many works of literature and film explore the role of spirituality in Native American life.
Cultural Traditions: Traditional Native American practices, such as powwows, are often depicted in literature and film. Understanding these cultural traditions is essential to understanding Native American literature and film.
Language: The language spoken by Native Americans is an important aspect of their literary and cinematic traditions. Many works of literature and film incorporate Native American languages, and understanding these languages is vital to understanding the works in their original context.
Land: Land is a critical theme in Native American literature and film. Many works explore the relationship between Native Americans and the land, including issues related to ownership, sovereignty, and the environment.
History: Native American history plays a significant role in their literature and film. Many works explore the impact of historical events on Native Americans, including colonization, forced removal, and the boarding school era.
Poetry: Native American poetry often emphasizes the importance of the natural world and is frequently conveyed through oral tradition.
Autobiography: Autobiographical works by Native American authors provide insight into their individual experiences of life in America.
Fiction: Written works of fiction often incorporate traditional Native American stories and beliefs into contemporary narratives.
Film: Documentaries and motion pictures made by Native American filmmakers often focus on issues of identity, tradition, and cultural preservation.
Folklore: Traditional oral stories passed down through generations in Native American communities often have themes of morality, instruction, and entertainment.
Historical Accounts: Non-fiction books and articles about Native American history provide a broader perspective on their experiences, cultures.
"Famous authors include N. Scott Momaday, Leslie Marmon Silko, Simon Ortiz, Louise Erdrich, Gerald Vizenor, Joy Harjo, Sherman Alexie, D'Arcy McNickle, James Welch, Charles Eastman, Mourning Dove, Zitkala-Sa, John Rollin Ridge, Lynn Riggs, Hanay Geiogamah, William Apess, Samson Occom, et al."
"Importantly, it is not 'a' literature, but a set of literatures since every tribe has its own cultural traditions."
"From pre-Columbian times through to today."
"Since the 1960s, it has also become a significant field of literary studies, with academic journals, departments, and conferences devoted to the subject."
"Native American literature is literature...produced by Native Americans in what is now the United States."
"(as distinct from First Nations writers in Canada)"
"Importantly, it is not 'a' literature, but a set of literatures since every tribe has its own cultural traditions."
"...both oral and written..."
"From pre-Columbian times through to today."
"...every tribe has its own cultural traditions."
"Famous authors include N. Scott Momaday..."
"Famous authors include...Joy Harjo..."
"Since the 1960s, it has also become a significant field of literary studies, with academic journals, departments, and conferences devoted to the subject."
"...academic journals, departments, and conferences devoted to the subject."
"Famous authors include...Zitkala-Sa..."
"Famous authors include...Gerald Vizenor..."
"Native American literature is literature, both oral and written..."
"From pre-Columbian times through to today."
"Native American literature is literature, both oral and written, produced by Native Americans in what is now the United States."