Arabian Tales

Personally, Professor Zaru was one of my favorite presentations we have had this semester! I think she was a very personable, honest, creative, and sweet woman. Furthermore, she developed my knowledge of the Arabic culture far more than any of the other speakers, which I thoroughly enjoyed! One fact Professor Zaru stated was that the Arabian communities think of the community first, instead of themselves (personal aspirations come after family wealth, prosperity, fortune). What makes the Arabic stories special is that they began with oral storytellers sitting in the towns, telling stories to the local shoppers until eventually, they got so good that they were paid for it. I also liked how the stories began with “Kan ya ma kan” (it was or it wasn’t) which was unique, just like the Kenyan introduction and the English introduction of simply, “once upon a time.” By asking “it was or it wasn’t,” it allows the listener to become engaged with the story immediately, because they are provoked to think about it and whether it was real or not. Professor Zaru also stated that a reoccurring theme in Arabian tales is the struggle of the underdog (and the triumph of him) which I think differs from Kenyan and some Jewish tales, for a lot of the Kenyan tales focused on morals and lessons. Lastly, Professor Zaru asked us what our favorite Arabian tale was, and mine is Disney’s “Aladdin” because of the rags-to-riches storyline, but also because Jasmine is so different from the other princesses—she holds her own agency. I really enjoy the adventure aspect, as well, there is (in my opinion) never a dull moment.