Humor and Moroccan Culture

by Matthew Helmke

This project started as a language learning experiment. Matthew Helmke was sitting in a cafe with a Moroccan having a discussion in Moroccan Arabic. The friend told a joke and it was quickly discovered that vocabulary alone would not insure an understanding of humor. This prompted a question, "What did I miss?" In this book, Matthew Helmke explores the hidden aspects of Moroccan culture. These are the things that Moroccans know inherently, without being taught. The result is an intriguing look through the eyes of an American trying to make sense of Moroccan culture.

Genres: Morocco

120 pages, Paperback

First published April 6, 2007

Reviews

[Beata Zwarycz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although there is a word "humor" in the title, this book was not funny. It was, however, informative. I am giving it three stars, because I learned more about Moroccan culture and enjoyed the Moroccan jokes (okay, the jokes were funny). But.... yes, there is a huge but.

People, if you're going to go the self-publishing route, do hire a professional editor/proofreader. Your friends' feedback is not enough. The chapters here are not consistent and seem like they're missing some elaborations on the subjects they introduce. Although interesting, each chapter was like an outline, to be rewritten and expanded on later. Also, I was tempted to whip out my red pen waaaay too often. "Its" and "it's" can be a bitch, I know, but you really should pay someone to catch these babies before they get printed and sold all over the world.

[César Lasso · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this book. It gives you a good insight into Moroccan culture. And if you can speak Arabic as I do, the enjoyment is double.

[Karen Chung · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed this book a lot. It offers a lot of interesting insights into Moroccan culture from the point of view of an attentive, respectful, Arabic-speaking American. The humor was not as opaque, at least to me, as the author suggested at the beginning of the book.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This books is very poorly written.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting and gave me additional insight into Moroccan culture. I would have enjoyed more jokes and stories.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Such a fascinating read, I have learnt a lot from this, Morocco fills me with wonder and the stories and jokes make me love it even more