My simple definition of Literature

Literature is the expression of life through oral and written language. Literature is the record of life with all of its activities. Literature refers to the sayings and writings about life and everything under the sun.

Literature includes both the oral and written expressions about life. However, there can be a question like whether everything said and written can be regarded as literature? The answer is NO. Why? Because, are we to regard someone saying “I go the market” or “Give me this fruit” as a piece of literature? NO. So, every conversation cannot be admitted into the realm of literature.

What then is the measuring tool or criterion by which we shall regard sayings or writings as literature or worth literature? Words or word which comes out from the ‘heart’, not simply out of the mind or mouth, constitute the essence of literature.

Let me elaborate my point. When someone expresses about his or her happiness or grief or the likes whatever he or she may encounter or comes across in the journey of life till death and the same that are also felt by his or her fellow human beings under the universe irrespective of skin colours, dwelling place, physique and other variances as many as possible, then, he or she automatically would use such words that would have the power to touch the heart of fellow human beings; such words that springs up from the heart, besides connecting to others’ heart naturally, would be lasting and also have universal value which time cannot kill. Such expressions from the heart to the heart we would call literature or having the quality of literature. 

So, one may express his or her ‘"universal’ feelings", if I am right to say so,(the word ‘universal’' is significant here) through different mediums like poem, drama, essay or novel etc. at his own purpose or as fit his stylistic ability, all comes under the umbrella term literature.

Kolasib, the 23^rd September 2013.