In a thought-provoking panel titled “Echoes of the Past: The Universal Language of Folk Tales and Historical Fiction,” celebrated authors Tahir Shah and Dr. AbdulAziz Al Musallam delved into the timeless power of folk tales and their continued relevance at the ongoing 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). Moderated by Huda Al Shamsi, the discussion highlighted how these narratives bridge cultures, transmit values, and build identities across generations.

Dr. Al Musallam emphasised the universal value of folk tales, calling them vessels of shared humanity. “Folk tales reflect human values that unify experiences and enrich our lives,” he explained, noting how stories like Cinderella appear across cultures, “from the US to Maghreb, Europe, and beyond.”

British author Tahir Shah echoed this sentiment, recalling his childhood immersion in Arabian tales like King Hatim Tai and Antar. “Those stories live inside me and make me who I am,” Shah said, sharing that his father, the writer Idris Shah, instilled in him a profound respect for folklore as “an instruction manual to the world.”

Folklore as a reflection of the human condition
Discussing the values transmitted through folk tales, Shah described folklore as “a language in its own right, a reflection of human society.” He painted a vivid image of ancestral gatherings in the deserts of Arabia, where stories were shared under starlit skies. “They told stories to pass on wisdom and values, much like we pass down clothing and language,” he noted. In his view, storytelling is “a chain of transmission that defines humanity.”

Dr. Al Musallam added that folk tales encapsulate virtues like wisdom, heroism, and goodness, calling them “a different kind of history; one that educates people.”

Challenges in translation and the essence of storytelling
One challenge in preserving folk tales, both authors agreed, is translation. Dr. Al Musallam shared concerns that translation can “sometimes eradicate the essence of stories,” with language differences potentially distorting the cultural nuances. Shah echoed this frustration, stressing that “it’s not just about translating words but conveying passion and soul.” For him, effective translation should prioritise the spirit of the story over rigid form.

The role of families in preserving folk traditions
Both authors spoke of the significant role families play in keeping folk traditions alive. Shah shared an anecdote about his housekeeper in Morocco, who told stories to his children. “It was nourishment,” he said, “and women are the greatest storytellers of all. It’s no surprise that in One Thousand and One Nights, the protagonist Shahrazad is a woman.”

“Narration is one of the most important ways of education,” Dr. Al Musallam said, noting how he shares stories with his own grandchildren to instill values and impart life lessons.

As the discussion drew to a close, both Shah and Dr. Al Musallam reaffirmed the lasting impact of folk tales, even in a technology-driven world. Shah likened stories to “a stream flowing down from a mountainside,” noting their adaptability across generations. “Stories shape us as we shape them. They are ingenious, living forces,” he remarked. Though digital media may change the way stories are told, he remains confident they will continue to find new forms.

Themed ‘It Starts with a Book’, SIBF 2024 runs in Expo Centre Sharjah until November 17.