Exploring Alternative Definitions of Literature

Literature, as traditionally perceived, consists of non-fiction works that a body of academics deems worthy of special recognition. However, with the advent of globalization, the digital age, and evolving artistic expressions, the concept of literature has become broader and more dynamic.

The Expansion of Literature

One of the more innovative forms of literature in recent times is what I term as global literature. This subset of literature represents a conglomeration and culmination of a variety of cultures, merged into readable forms and formats. Although such a comprehensive collection may not yet exist, the idea itself is intriguing. It challenges us to imagine a world where cultural boundaries blur and merge, resulting in texts that are both accessible and representative of diverse narratives.

Global Literature in Practice

Alt Lit (Alternative Literature), a movement that emerged in the digital age, further broadens our understanding of what literature can be. Alt Lit writers share unconventional materials such as Gmail chat logs, image macros, and tweets. These raw, unpolished texts are self-published, often as poetry books or novels. One particular example, Samuel Beckett’s work “How It Is,” exemplifies this form. In this book, there are no capital letters, no punctuation, and no sentences. Instead, the text is a pure stream of consciousness, making it both easy to read and deeply intriguing. It is a narrative that invites readers to engage with the text in new and imaginative ways.

Alternative Definitions of Literature

While literature has traditionally been defined by its written works, writings, and creative texts, there are many synonyms that can also be associated with the term. Webster’s Dictionary, for example, lists the following terms: written works, writings, creative writing, literary texts, compositions, letters, and belles-lettres. Each of these terms highlights a different aspect of what literature can encompass.

Defining Literature for Future Generations

From my perspective, literature should be something that is readable and preserved, so that future generations can continue to read and engage with it. However, the question remains: What constitutes something as "readable"? In the age of digital literature, this question becomes even more pressing. eBooks, podcasts, and other multimedia formats are challenging the traditional notion of what literature is. These modern forms of literature require us to reevaluate our definitions and consider new criteria for what makes something literary.

Conclusion

The definition of literature is evolving, and it is expanding to include a wide range of forms and mediums. As we move forward, it is important for us to embrace these changes and redefine what it means to be a work of literature. Whether it is through the fusion of cultures in global literature or the unconventional forms of Alt Lit, the future of literature is undoubtedly more diverse and dynamic than ever before.

By keeping an open mind and embracing the evolving nature of literature, we can ensure that this art form continues to grow and flourish in the years to come.