UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS), with the support of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, held a two-day online workshop on "Translating Oral Traditions and Safeguarding Cultural Heritage," in collaboration with the Heritage Commission and three UNESCO Chairs to support research initiatives between the Arab world and the Global South. A distinguished group of international scholars and experts participated in the workshop, representing institutions such as the University of Oxford, SOAS University of London, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and the University of Bahrain, alongside researchers from the United States, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia.

The workshop discussed the role of translation in preserving cultural identity and transmitting oral traditions, in addition to efforts to document Nabati poetry for submission to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. The workshop also discussed the role of "cultural translation" in transmitting folklore across languages, highlighting its impact on documenting folktales and historical narratives, as well as the challenges of preserving their authenticity over time. 

 The workshop explored how human migrations and print culture have contributed to the global spread of folklore, emphasizing the importance of studying the evolution of oral texts throughout history to understand mechanisms for safeguarding and reshaping heritage through cultural translation. The workshop also explored the role of modern technology in enhancing documentation and heritage protection and discussed the importance of collaboration between researchers and local communities to ensure accurate documentation and preserve the authenticity of cultural identity.

 The workshop highlighted the role of local communities in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of community-led initiatives supported by the public sector, such as poetry competitions and Nabati poetry evenings, in preserving oral traditions and ensuring their continuity, particularly in the Gulf region.

 Participants discussed the challenges faced by traditional storytellers in the Arab world, with a focus on the Moroccan halqa, which, despite being listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, is at risk of disappearing. The discussion also argued for reclassifying oral heritage bearers as translators of their own traditions, a step that could enhance their status, ensure the continuity of oral heritage, and provide them with sustainable livelihoods.The workshop recommended continuing the collaboration between UNESCO Chairs, the Heritage Commission, academic institutions, and local communities, and launching joint research projects to study oral traditions in the Arab world and the Global South.