CCL – PT 1

PART-ONE: LITERATURE

By:  N. O. Ewelike ACArb.

The word ‘Literature’ is an offshoot of the word ‘Literate’ which means ‘able to read and write’. In this sense, literature can be used to describe all printed materials which give instruction, information, ideas, etc.

However, as a field of study, literature is a form or an act of expression and thus it concerns itself with not just what is expressed but the manner of its expression also.

Thus, literature places emphasis on aesthetics or elegance of expression. As one of the art subjects studied in schools such works come under prose, poetry, and drama which have their artistic significance.

FUNCTIONS AND ADVANTAGES OF LITERATURE

Literature performs certain functions both for society and its individual. Among these are:

1. Literature serves as a means of education:

Though as stated earlier, literature is not concerned with what is expressed alone but how it is expressed and the purpose. It is used to educated people through its content in vast subjects like politics, science, mathematics, economics, civil rights, construction, etc.

2. Literature performs the purpose of entertainment:

By this function, it affords its audience leisure and it is useful for enjoyment and relaxation whilst it makes them laugh, amused, and provides unlimited fun.

3. A means of propagation of history, culture, and politics:

Literature in this sense, projects history, culture, and politics, culture, and politics of the people, thereby making it possible to have reference to such typification as Afro-American literature, English and American literature, French literature, etc. Through this, literature widens the scope of experience of its audience about different peoples and cultures of the world.

4. It serves as a means of informing the society:

Literature comments on society and in this connection, it points out the bad aspects of the institution of society so as to pave way for reformation.

1. Teaching of morals:

It is essential function of literature in its didactic essence to impart moral lessons into the people. Folklores and moonlight tales in African society try to teach children morality so as to conform to society’s needs and to avoid the way of the deviants; especially in this contemporary times of digital globalization where morality has taken different shades.

2. Improves audience’s use of language:

Literature has served the tremendous purpose of improving the linguistic armory of its audience. Little wonder that in the qualifying requirements for admission into universities, literature is accepted in place of English Language. It is a sine qua non for people who want to study English language or Law to have a good grade in literature so as to be proficient in language, the instrument with which battles in their different fields could be successfully fought.