Omani Folk Literature and Its Impact on Society

Abstract

Omani folk literature represents a living mirror of the cultural and historical identity of Omani society, reflecting its values, traditions, and worldview through various forms such as Nabati poetry, folktales, proverbs, chants, and performing arts. This literature serves as a repository of collective experiences and a medium for documenting the social, political, and economic transformations Oman has undergone throughout the ages. Folk literature has significantly contributed to strengthening social cohesion by embedding moral and religious values and reinforcing intergenerational bonds through the exchange of stories and proverbs that carry profound wisdom and human experiences. It has also played an educational and awareness-raising role, instilling positive principles such as courage, generosity, and solidarity. Moreover, Omani folk literature has had a notable impact on shaping national consciousness and fostering belonging, as it celebrates heritage, maritime and agricultural traditions, and Oman’s historical role in trade and navigation. With the evolution of Omani society, folk literature has remained a vital tool for preserving cultural identity in the face of globalization, as well as a key pillar in academic studies of heritage and anthropology. Therefore, studying Omani folk literature reveals its central role in nation-building, not merely as a cultural luxury but as a fundamental force in shaping the Omani character and safeguarding its cultural legacy.