The medieval period refers to the historical period of the emergence, development and decline of feudal societies in Asia and Africa, from approximately the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD to the mid-19th century. Medieval Afro-Asian literature refers to the literature of this period in Asia and Africa. It refers to literature during the rise and prosperity of feudal society in Asia and Africa. When studying this chapter, you must grasp its unique characteristics from a macro perspective, paying special attention to the formation of the three major cultural areas and the huge impact of the three major religions on literature; you must make a general overview of the development of literature in various countries. On the basis of this understanding, we will have a deeper understanding of the works of some writers with global influence.
Medieval Asia and Africa had a vast territory, numerous ethnic groups, and prosperous literature. Countries such as Japan, India, Arabia, Persia and Korea all have high literary achievements. First, multi-ethnic literature develops and prospers simultaneously. The area in which medieval Asian and African literature was produced expanded greatly. Indian literature, which had already made brilliant achievements in ancient times, continued to develop forward and played an important role in Asian and African literature. At the same time, a series of emerging nations and countries such as North Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, Iran, Arabia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, and Turkey have stepped onto the historical stage and produced higher-level literary works. It can be seen that the achievements of medieval Asian and African literature were achieved through the joint efforts of many ethnic groups.
Second, literary exchanges among various ethnic groups are unprecedentedly prosperous. The development of economy and transportation have strengthened the economic ties between people of all ethnic groups in Asia and Africa, and promoted cultural and literary exchanges between them. The literature of China, India and other countries with a long history has influenced their neighboring countries. Arabic and Persian literature in West Asia also achieved rapid development at this time, and with the spread of Islam, it affected countries in Central Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia. At the same time, Chinese, Indian, Arabic, and Iranian literature also accepted the influence of literature from various ethnic groups in neighboring regions.
Third, literary content tends to become complex and literary forms tend to be diversified. Medieval Asian and African literary works had a wide range of themes, rich ideas, and complex tendencies, reflecting all aspects of life in feudal society. At the same time, various literary forms flourished. Of all literary genres, poetry is the most developed. Drama is dominated by India's achievements. The story of Arabia is famous all over the world. Japanese novels are the earliest in the world. In addition, prose was developed in many countries.
Fourth, the relationship between literature and religion is still quite close, and the influence of religion is still relatively profound. Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, etc. had a great influence on medieval Asian and African literature, and many literary works have a strong religious flavor.