Papua New Guinean Literature: A Unique Narrative under Multiculturalism

Abstract

Papua New Guinean literature has evolved amid the collision and fusion of indigenous traditions and foreign cultural elements. This paper conducts an in-depth analysis of three core dimensions of the literature: its historical development process from oral traditions to written works, representative authors (Albert Maori Kiki, Vincent Eri, and Russell Soaba) and their works, and its evolutionary path under the dual influence of Western and Eastern cultures. It further explores how Papua New Guinean literature articulates indigenous voices and constructs a distinct national identity within a multicultural context. The study reveals that this literary tradition not only vividly mirrors societal transformations and the national ethos but also plays a pivotal role in preserving, inheriting, and promoting indigenous cultures in the age of globalization. Additionally, Research on Papua New Guinean literature is expected to offer novel perspectives for understanding the diversity and unique value of Pacific Island literature as a whole, enriching regional literary studies.