Humor and Moroccan Culture (Paperback)

~ Matthew Helmke (Author)
Key Phrases: Modern Standard Arabic

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This project started as a language learning experiment. Matthew Helmke was sitting in a cafe with a Moroccan having a discussion in Moroccan Arabic. The friend told a joke and it was quickly discovered that vocabulary alone would not insure an understanding of humor. This prompted a question, "What did I miss?" In this book, Matthew Helmke explores the hidden aspects of Moroccan culture. These are the things that Moroccans know inherently, without being taught. The result is an intriguing look through the eyes of an American trying to make sense of Moroccan culture.

Product Details

• Paperback: 122 pages
• Publisher: Matthew Helmke (April 6, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615142842
• ISBN-13: 978-0615142845
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #224,665 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and Entertaining, July 21, 2008

By	Herr Mannelig (USA) - See all my reviews

This book is great. It has some great stories showing a culture that is unfamiliar to most "Western" nations.

Even if one never intends to travel, it is worth reading just to get a taste of a different culture.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read with tons of information, May 30, 2008

By	Ryan Burbank (Ellendale, ND) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

I read this book in preparation of coming to Morocco. This book has helped me in more ways than I can count. Besides having useful information, it's also a fun book to read because the jokes are actually quite funny after you understand the culture (or at least that part of the culture.) If you're thinking about getting this book, or unsure if you should, just get it. I promise you won't be let down.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great little book to pass some time, April 22, 2007

By	Jason Dragon "Green Dragon" (Cebu, Philippines) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

First off I know nothing about Morocco, I have never been there, but I read this book and it was hard to put it down. It had many little stories and some great jokes, but the key to this book is that you get to learn how people think and how the basics of humor works in any place in the world. If you are a comic I would suggest this book because you will learn the importance of situations and saying the correct things to your audience. I am also an American living in a third world country, and it helps with the culture shock.