FORMS OF LITERATURE
There are two major types/forms of literature namely;
1. Oral literature
This is a type of literature that presents the message through words of mouth. It is the oldest form of literature since it was practiced before the invention of writings. Example, myths, parable, legends etc.
2. Written literature
This is a form literature that presents the message through written It began with the invention of writings. It has two major forms, which are fiction and non- fiction. Examples of written literature include biography, autobiography, novels, plays, short stories, essays etc.
Relationship between oral and written literature
- Both portray on social
- Both use language as its medium of
- Both consist of two elements that are form and
- Both perform similar functions like educating, developing language and uniting
Difference between oral and written literature
- Oral literature presented orally while, written literature presented through writings
- Oral literature preserved in memory while, written literature preserved in writings like novels and short stories.
- Oral literature involves performance while, written literature does not involve performance rather than reading.
- Oral literature adopts immediate changes while, written literature does not adhere to immediate changes.
- Oral literature is rich in types while, written literature has few
- Oral literature is rich in characters while, written literature is limited to human
- Oral literature is owned by the whole community while; written literature is owned by the
- Oral literature is old in age while, written literature is young in
