Translating Malhun Poetry as Moroccan Cultural Heritage

Malhun is a distinctive Moroccan poetic and musical tradition recognized by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Written in Moroccan Arabic (Darija), Malhun poems are a form of collective memory and cultural expression, reflecting social values, spiritual beliefs, and everyday experiences. Originating between the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries, it developed within artisan communities and historic cities such as Fez and Meknes, where it was traditionally performed during gatherings and festivals.This book presents English translations of fifteen selected Malhun poems using a methodology that combines semantic, communicative, and foreignizing approaches. The aim is to remain faithful to the original texts while making them accessible to English readers. By translating and analyzing these poems, the work highlights themes such as spirituality, love, humor, and social reflection, while contributing to the greater international recognition of this rich Moroccan poetic tradition.