The Literature of Brunei

This book presents an overview of the literature of Brunei, surveying literary traditions, innovations and new approaches as well as historical and contemporary issues and challenges. The book highlights the unique characteristics of Bruneian literature, including its approach to bilingualism - Brunei Malay and English - its historical intertwining with monarchs and myths, and how its emerging developments can be charted in the 21st century. Gathering together the work of both established and emerging scholars of Bruneian literature and history, the book brings detailed scholarship to an English-speaking audience, some of which was originally written in the Malay language, and highlights a Bruneian perspective. In drawing out the peculiar traditions, innovations and challenges of Bruneian literature, this collection of essays is not only original in concept but also a pioneering endeavour. The Literature of Brunei will be of interest to researchers in World and Asian Literature, in particular Southeast Asian literature.