With poetry and chants, Omanis strive to preserve ancient language


By AGENCY

An aerial picture shows the Wadi Darbat lake in the region of Dhofar, near Oman's Salalah city. Photo: AFP

Against the backdrop of southern Oman's lush mountains, men in traditional attire chant ancient poems in an ancient language, fighting to keep alive a spoken tradition used by just two percent of the population.

Sitting under a tent, poet Khalid Ahmed al-Kathiri recites the verses, while men clad in robes and headdresses echo back his words in the vast expanse.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Oman , language , Arab , Dhofar , poems , mother-tongue , heritage

Next In Culture

Shanghai's elderly waltz back to the past at lunchtime dance halls
In Malaysia, the book festival trail is set to expand in 2026
Bolivian Indigenous women take pride in the traditional 'pollera' skirt
Weekend for the arts: 'Moneyfesto' exhibition, 'Siasah' watercolour show
Want to read more in 2026? Here's how to revive your love of books
Egypt's grand museum begins live restoration of ancient boat
'Parasocial' is Cambridge Dictionary's 2025 word of the year
Thousands gather in Bethlehem as Christmas spirit returns after 2 years of Gaza war
Philippines' annual Giant Lantern Festival fill the air with light and cheer
Gonzo fans turn ‘Dungeon Crawler Carl’ into a global blockbuster

Others Also Read