The Accidental Ethnographer

This volume involved transcribing and co-translating traditional oral Emirati al-Nabat poetry to help preserve Bedouin oral culture and enhance cross-cultural communication. Additional poems were then added from existing published poems to provide a contrast, as well as two of my own compositions. The tradition teaches ethical conduct during social occasions as a form of communal entertainment and, at the same time, works to underpin the social hierarchy of Arab tribal etiquette. While the poetic tradition remains predominantly oral, contact between the literate and illiterate composers of poetry was found to be much wider than previously thought.

For some, comparative studies may be difficult to position, yet literary bridging exercises are very helpful in contributing to an inter-cultural dialogue. 'Bridges connect people, cultures and hearts,' observes Sheikh Al Maktoum. I hope this process may continue through the poetry you find here.