Poetry Helps Omanis Preserve an Ancient Language

Tue Aug 12 2025
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SALALAH, Oman: Against the backdrop of southern Oman’s lush mountains, men in traditional attire chant poems in an ancient language used by just two per cent of the population.
The overwhelming majority of Omanis speak Arabic, but in the mountainous coastal region of Dhofar bordering Yemen, people speak Jibbali, also known as Shehri.
“Through these traditional arts, we preserve our heritage and old vocabulary,” says Saeed Shamas, a social media advocate for Dhofari heritage. – Mumen Khatib/AFPTV/AFP

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