Sharjah:Cultural identity must remain rooted in daily life and popular traditions even as communities adapt to rapid technological and social change, Moroccan literary critic Dr. Said Yaktine told audiences at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026).
According to Wam, speaking during a session titled 'Said Yaktine The Memory of Storytelling and the Breadth of Thought', Dr. Yaktine, SIBF 2026's Cultural Personality of the Year, reflected on the relationship between literature, cultural memory, and the forces reshaping how successive generations learn, communicate, and understand the world. The discussion was moderated by Emirati poet and author Shaikha Al Mutairi.
Dr. Yaktine emphasized the significance of popular culture, stating that it holds weight and value. He highlighted that food, everyday customs, oral traditions, social relationships, and neighborhood life are elements shaping human interaction. Drawing on his memories of growing up in Morocco, he recalled popular neighborhoods and public spaces where oral storytellers captivated audiences, influencing his early relationship with storytelling long before his formal literary studies.
He also addressed urban development's impact on traditional social and cultural spaces, noting changes in their function due to city expansions and commercial growth. Dr. Yaktine stressed the importance of ensuring cultural memory is preserved amid these changes, especially in the digital age, where new technologies are altering how younger generations learn and communicate.
Dr. Yaktine urged societies to intervene, guide, and mentor, particularly in how they engage with the youth. He extended this argument to literature, advocating for writers to remain open to global literary developments while staying connected to their cultural roots. He argued that cultural authenticity and modernity could coexist, allowing societies to embrace new knowledge and technology while valuing local traditions and memories.
The session was part of SIBF 2026's cultural program, organized by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA). The 12-day fair is taking place at Expo Centre Sharjah until November 15.