3

Humor and
Moroccan
Culture
By

Matthew Helmke
A look into the hidden aspects of
Moroccan culture that are necessary for
understanding local humor.

For more information about this book or to contact the author please write:
Derby & Wehttam 263, rue Toufah Hay Zaza Fes Morocco
matthew@derbyandwehttam.com
http://derbyandwehttam.com
Contents 2007 Matthew Helmke
Cover art by Matthew Helmke and 2007 Matthew Helmke
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First edition, published 2007 by Matthew Helmke.

ISBN: 978-0-6151-4284-5

Printed and bound in the United States of America by Lulu, Inc. http://www.Lulu.com

A Moroccan edition is being prepared and will be published by Derby & Wehttam.
http://derbyandwehttam.com

Table of Contents
Dedication..........................................................................................5

Acknowledgments..............................................................................6
Preface................................................................................................9

Being from Fez.................................................................................15

I'm not sure that is Arabic..............................................................21
Always exceed expectations.............................................................27
Don't give me advice........................................................................33

Who are you going to trust?...........................................................40

I won't let you buy that...................................................................47
Respect is more important than truth............................................53
There's always a twist......................................................................64
Society's foundation.........................................................................73
Your words don't matter.................................................................78
I'll do here what I did there............................................................86
Who should I believe in?.................................................................92

Epilogue..........................................................................................100
Final notes and thoughts...............................................................106
Selected Bibliography....................................................................109
Fonts used.......................................................................................118