Story-telling was one of the major features of Greenland culture. Writing was introduced in 18th century and the South Greenland Printing Press was established in 1857. Since 1857
Literature gained importance in Greenland.
Greenland Literature is written in Greenlandic as well as Danish.
Greenlandic language is divided into three dialects such as East Greenland, West Greenland and Eskimo dialect. There are various sub dialects. Language is of great importance to the Greenlandic people, which is clearly visible from their culture. Despite considerable negative pressure the integrity of the language is maintained by them. Moreover 98% of the population is literate.
Several authors have a great impact on the extensive
Literature of Greenland. Greenland has produced a wealth of literary works compared to the other Inuit in the Arctic. Some of the great works are
- Lonely Planet Greenland and The Arctic - Deanna Swaney
- The Greenlanders – Jane Smiley
- The Arctic, A Guide to Coastal Wildlife – Tony Soper
- This Cold Heaven, Seven Seasons in Greenland – Gretel Ehrlich
- An African in Greenland – New York Review Book
- A Nature and Wildlife Guide to Greenland – Gyldendals Forlaq
Danish-Greenlandic Explorer Knud Rasmussen is one of the most important documenter of the legends, stories and the life style of the Eskimos. He wrote any fictions inspired by the Greenlandic tradition as well.
The changes that the Greenlandic society underwent were captured in the poems of many poets like Mathias Storch, Aqqaluk Lynge and Otto Sandgreen.
Literature in Greenland covers many of the aesthetic as well as social aspects.
