Malay Literature Derives from Poetry

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam - Malay poetry, also known as pantun is an integral part of the Malay community and its existence dates back to a time before Malays knew how to read or write.

The art of poetry in the Malay culture is considered absolute for the race that is spread across the Malay Archipelago.

Malays inherited the art of poetry from their ancestors as it was passed from generation to generation as a medium to share stories, experiences and wisdom. As a result, the value and quality of this poetry, like many other forms of poetry across the globe, reflected the intellectualism of its composer to disseminate information in a creative manner.

This was the gist of the opening remarks presented by the Acting Director of the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP), Dayang Hajah Aminah binti Haji Mom in, during the opening ceremony for seminars and workshops associated with the MASTERA Poetry Festival 2010, which took place yesterday at Balai Sarmayuda, DBP, at the Old Airport in Berakas.

The guest of honour at the event was Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Datin Hajah Adina binti Haji Othman, who officiated the opening ceremony.

The five-day workshop, which commenced yesterday and will come to an end on December 19, will see participation by two representatives from each MASTERA country (Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia). An invitation was also sent to Singapore for interested individuals to participate in the seminar.

The MASTERA workshop will focus on Malay poems as a response to proposals presented during the 2005 MASTERA meeting in Lombok, Matarain, which suggested the hosting of a poetry festival fiesta aimed specifically at the youth.

In addition, Hjh Aminah stated that the seminars and workshops along with the actual festival itself is part of MASTERA’s efforts in promoting and increasing interest among the members of the next generation in becoming involved in the creation and composition of poetry. The festival, which is also aimed at being a platform for the youth to fully appreciate their heritage, is hoped to cultivate strong interest in preventing the decline of interest in the artform by younger generations.

In order to promote and ensure integrity among poetry enthusiasts, the selection of participants was not solely limited to individuals hailing from arts stream, but also those who’s academic endeavours and careers are based on science or engineering streams. In essence, all are welcome. In addition, participation is also open to non-Malays.

During the ceremony, seven speakers composed of MASTERA members were invited to present papers during the workshop. It is hoped that participants would gain knowledge and understanding regarding the life experiences of these speakers, who are actively involved in poetry composition.

Participants and speakers will be brought to Kampong Senukoh in the Temburong District for a get-together ceremony with villagers as well as to attend the Malay Archipelago Poetry Festival.

Source: http://www.brudirect.com
Photo: http://www.adicita.com

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