Grandmothers’ Tales and Children’s Literature
Children’s literature, as we know it today in its written and printed form, did not emerge overnight. Like all other forms of literature, it passed through many stages before reaching its current shape. Storytelling was considered the very first and most important stage, especially because writing stories and preserving them in written form was once difficult. Therefore, oral narration became the easiest and most complete way to preserve and share stories.
Storytelling methods varied from one storyteller to another, even when the main elements of the story remained the same. The style of narration often depended on the atmosphere and emotions the storyteller wished to convey to listeners. The storyteller usually aimed to deliver educational, moral, heroic, or historical messages, while emphasizing certain events or values. Sometimes storytelling included gestures and movements, while in many cases the narrator relied solely on the spoken word.
As time passed, storytelling methods evolved. To attract children and provide more entertainment, enjoyment, and participation, storytellers began using puppets and moving dolls to represent different characters and bring stories to life. Despite these additional tools, the storyteller never abandoned the essential role of oral narration, changing the tone of voice between strength, softness, and kindness to suit each character being portrayed.
In the beginning, storytelling was not considered a profession. Anyone with the ability to narrate events in an engaging and attractive manner could become a storyteller. Such individuals possessed the talent to present details in a captivating way that kept listeners eager until the end of the story. Over time, however, storytelling became a profession. Traveling storytellers emerged, searching for the best stories—whether ancient or contemporary—to share with children. This required constant travel and continuous training in entertainment and communication skills to attract larger audiences. Storytellers eventually had scheduled gathering times that children awaited with excitement and affection.
Besides their ability to attract attention and directly influence children, storytellers were often characterized by kindness, honesty, tenderness, and credibility. In the absence of professional storytellers, grandmothers took on this important role. They narrated stories in ways very similar to traditional storytellers, but with a stronger educational and moral purpose. Through storytelling, grandmothers focused on teaching values, emphasizing goodness, and presenting stories with sincerity and emotional impact. Their tales often highlighted positive lessons and noble qualities that distinguished grandmothers’ storytelling throughout history.
Despite the passage of time, changing eras, and the dominance of modern technology, grandmothers’ tales have not lost their essence. Grandmothers still tell stories in the same familiar and heartfelt way practiced for generations. What unites them all is a shared purpose: building balanced generations filled with noble values and positive qualities. Through charming and meaningful storytelling, grandmothers preserved the beauty of the past and passed it on to their grandchildren, ensuring that these timeless stories remain rich in elegance, depth, and authenticity. These tales come from loving hearts that strive to pass on the very best of earlier times in order to shape bright and promising future generations.
Publishing and Distribution Challenges
The profession of publishing and distributing books, in all their forms, is considered one of the noblest industries and professions. It not only provides knowledge, culture, and literature — a continuation of the mission of prophets and messengers — but also engages with minds and seeks to nourish them with diverse sciences and ideas. Publishing houses constantly interact with scholars, thinkers, writers, students, and readers.
The publishing industry is divided into three important stages before a book reaches readers or markets. The first stage is publishing itself, which includes selecting the scientific or literary content and presenting it in a form that reflects the publisher’s identity and suits the reader or audience. This stage also involves design, layout, printing, and marketing.
The second stage involves distribution companies, which purchase books wholesale from publishers and then distribute them through various outlets such as public and private bookstores, as well as online stores.
The final stage is sales outlets or bookstores and online marketplaces, which deal directly with the public through sales.
Sometimes these stages overlap; some publishers may handle distribution themselves, while some distributors may sell directly to consumers.
Each stage has its own advantages and challenges. Publishing houses choose authors, manuscripts, printing methods, and layouts, then manage marketing, pricing, and distribution channels. One of the major challenges publishers face is that they cannot force distributors to carry all their titles. Distributors often select only certain books based on their own preferences and market vision.
As for distributors, they may not participate in selecting the content or bear production costs such as authors’ fees, design, printing, or marketing expenses. Instead, they choose titles they believe suit their business interests. In many cases, distributors pressure publishers regarding pricing, discounts, and display methods while focusing mainly on distribution efforts.
Some distributors require books to be supplied on a consignment basis, meaning payment is only made for sold copies, while others reserve the right to return unsold books. Distribution challenges also arise because distributors do not control the content, authors, or production quality, in addition to their limited influence over book pricing set by publishers.
Bookstores, on the other hand, benefit from direct interaction with readers, allowing them to gather genuine feedback about books. However, they also face difficulties, including limited shelf space, the vast number of titles available, multiple editions, varying prices, and differing discount rates offered by publishers.
Focusing on the relationship between publishers and distributors, publishers are expected to dedicate themselves to selecting quality works, collaborating with authors, illustrators, and designers, and overseeing printing, production, marketing, and fair pricing to ensure sustainability. Yet, a major issue remains: many distributors view publishers primarily as profit-driven businesses without fully appreciating the challenges publishers themselves face.
Many distributors insist on exclusive agreements that prevent publishers from distributing through other channels, while still reserving the freedom to select titles, quantities, and supply contracts for government tenders and institutions. This reduces publishers’ ability to showcase all their products freely. In some regions, weak distribution networks also limit book availability, and sometimes distributor profit margins exceed those of publishers, resulting in higher book prices and reduced accessibility.
Personal relationships can also influence dealings between distributors and publishers. Some distributors prefer working with publishers that offer larger discounts or maintain favorable relationships with distribution managers. Additionally, distributors may delay payments until they receive funds from bookstores or marketplaces, which in turn delays payments to publishers.
Ultimately, the relationship between publishers and distributors is a strategic partnership built on cooperation and coordination to achieve success. Overcoming these challenges and improving collaboration can help both parties achieve shared goals and reach wider audiences.
Where Are the Bestselling Children’s Books?
One cannot fail to notice the significant gains that Arab children’s books have achieved over the past two decades. This field has witnessed growing awareness, culminating in the emergence of numerous specialized publishing houses and professional entities. Children’s publishing has become an increasingly independent sector, which has encouraged the rise of many related activities and events.
It is worth noting that initiatives aimed at drawing attention to books are experiencing remarkable growth, especially in developed countries. These initiatives have introduced various innovative methods, including reading competitions, highlighting a specific book, or focusing on a particular category of books such as announcing bestsellers, most popular books, or most widely circulated titles. All of these serve as incentives that spark a love of reading and encourage book purchasing.
Such initiatives have played a major role in attracting readers and intellectuals. Through the spotlight on a specific book, readers can be guided toward a broader engagement with publishers’ catalogs. This is considered an advanced practice that deserves recognition and support. These pioneering experiences are also worth adopting, as there is nothing preventing children’s book publishers from applying them in ways that suit their capabilities and local context.
Here, the role of forums, publishers’ unions, and reading associations becomes essential, as these institutions can effectively contribute to organizing such emerging practices in gradual forms. For example, they could launch an initiative for “Bestselling Children’s Books” during specific book fairs such as the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival or other Arab book fairs. They could also organize events under the theme “Most Popular Children’s Books,” based on the availability of selected children’s books in a particular library or a network of libraries.
Initiatives focusing on popular books, in their various forms, provide researchers with highly valuable data. They help identify children’s reading preferences for specific types of books, whether during a particular season or period. Such statistics also enable more accurate studies on readership, reading patterns, and comparative analyses.
What encourages the adoption of such ideas in the children’s publishing sector is the flexibility that allows multiple implementation options. However, the most important factor is the consistent effort to provide the necessary data, which is not difficult to obtain. It can be gathered from publishing lists available with publishers and associations. Once this is achieved, the opportunity becomes ripe for organizing such innovative and dynamic initiatives, which can further be developed through careful evaluation and continuous improvement of the experience.
Poetry in Children’s Books: Is Its Absence Continuing?
Critics of children’s literature have long and consistently raised the issue of the absence of poetic content in Arabic children’s books, and they are justified in doing so. A review of catalogues from specialized publishing houses reveals that many are devoid of poetry collections for children. On a broader level, a visit to book fairs is sufficient to confirm this absence; in both cases, researchers will not need much effort to notice this unjustified scarcity of such publications.
It is striking that this absence has persisted despite repeated warnings across various conferences, seminars, and articles, all of which have continuously highlighted the scarcity and near disappearance of poetry from the field of children’s literature.
There is no doubt that those who raise the issue of the absence of poetry in Arabic children’s books are fully aware of the profound impact of poetry on children. Poetry has a strong emotional influence and a remarkable ability to shape imaginative and elegant forms that can be filled with meaningful content. This is achieved when the poet master's clarity of style, musical rhythm, and clear meaning, along with graceful expression and evocative imagery. In fact, some poets have succeeded in presenting their poetic work in a beautiful form that appeals to children, who receive it like songs and carry it with them as melodies.
Indeed, critics’ calls regarding the absence of poetry deserve careful study and deeper examination. Likewise, concerns about the decline in publishers’ interest in poetry call for bold initiatives that bring together publishers and Arabic poets. Arabic, our beautiful language, has never ceased to produce outstanding creative poets. Is it reasonable, then, for children’s poetry to remain confined to the legacy of great pioneers such as Ahmed Shawqi and the great poet Suleiman Al-Issa in his children’s poetry collection?
Children’s Book Publishers: Between the Local and the Global
The new generation of children’s book publishers is making notable efforts to move toward globalization. Through professional practice, they have come to realize that the narrow classification of “local publishing” no longer satisfies their ambitions in a publishing world that is constantly interacting with rapid changes. These changes have left their impact on various professions and fields, including publishing, which in some Arab countries has reached a critical turning point. This has pushed publishers to seek solutions through available options and alternatives, most importantly repositioning themselves in order to address spatial fragmentation in professional practice—a concept often referred to as the dialectic of (local vs. global).
Local publishing requires the children’s book publisher to remain firmly rooted in his geographical space and legal place of operation, allowing him to remain an active and influential player in his field. Global publishing, on the other hand, implies going beyond geographical boundaries, making the publisher an integral part of the global publishing landscape with all its conditions, standards, and regulations.
Such requirements demand a high level of awareness and professional culture capable of managing a gradual and well-planned transition to globalization. This is not achieved in a single leap, but through a step-by-step process that includes openness to the best alternatives, policies, and practices. Among the most important of these are:
Mergers and consolidation are among the most important professional strategies that help publishing houses achieve global reach. The individual publisher with limited capabilities, or the traditional small-scale publisher, is increasingly less able to survive in a rapidly changing environment full of unpredictable challenges. Therefore, mergers and other collaborative models provide a strong foundation for children’s book publishers to move toward globalization.
Experience has shown that such models are effective in achieving major goals, while also offering protection against professional instability and unexpected disruptions. However, their success depends primarily on awareness and on the belief of “merged” publishers in collective work as a necessary strategy to achieve shared goals.
Specialization opens wide doors for children’s book publishers to reach global markets, as it enables the achievement of higher quality standards and transforms children’s books into globally accepted “products.” This is done by focusing on a specific niche, in line with the broader trend of specialization that has become dominant across sciences, arts, literature, and professions.
In children’s publishing, there are several forms of specialization, including:
Translation is one of the most important forms of specialization. It is worth recalling that the early foundations of Arab children’s books were originally based on translation, particularly from French. Arab envoys to France in the eighteenth century were impressed by the remarkable development of children’s books there. Upon returning home, their first initiatives included translating several books, which became among the earliest modern Arabic children’s books.
It is also important to note that many specialized children’s publishing houses in Europe, America, and other developed countries adopt a strict strategy of extensive translation from various literatures and cultures, making it a distinctive feature of their production.
Alongside translation, field specialization is one of the most prominent strategies in children’s publishing. Some publishing houses focus exclusively on scientific books, while others specialize in storytelling, novels, science fiction, travel literature, biographies, or specific personalities, among other fields.
Some believe that field specialization provides a safe and effective pathway for Arab children’s books to reach global markets, as it encourages both authors and publishers to produce high-quality, precise, and credible content.
In addition to translation and field specialization, some publishers adopt style-based specialization, such as producing silent books that rely solely on illustrations without text, or focusing on screenplay-based formats. Others adopt dual specialization, combining two or more areas as part of a risk management strategy.
Regional specialization is a relatively new trend that has emerged in response to the desire of Arab families living abroad to raise their children in Arabic and maintain their cultural and linguistic identity, thereby protecting younger generations in distant diaspora communities.
Global content in children’s books is one of the most debated issues, particularly among literary agents who argue that not all content in Arab children’s books is suitable for global audiences. They emphasize the need to consider shared human values across nations and cultures, while avoiding isolation and overly localized or simplistic topics.
Creativity has become an urgent necessity in producing pioneering content capable of capturing children’s attention everywhere, by addressing their interests, stimulating their imagination, and engaging their sense of wonder, aspiration, and curiosity.
Many publishing houses place great importance on visual identity, considering it a key marketing strategy that supports their journey toward globalization. With the expansion of markets and the diversification of consumer preferences, publishers have increasingly focused on strengthening their visual identity.
Recently, there has been growing enthusiasm among publishers regarding visual identity, with some even revisiting their logos, strategies, values, vision, and mission. These elements contribute to creating a strong and influential visual and mental image that highlights the uniqueness of the publishing house and integrates it into the perceptions of consumers worldwide.
The path toward globalization remains open to all publishers who wish to pursue it. All routes can lead there, provided the publisher is capable of working with available options, policies, and professional strategies. However, it must always be remembered that tomorrow will not be like today in a world where the wheel of change never stops turning.
Engaging in a dialogue with children is a reflection of human maturity and cultural depth. It is an effective strategy, serving as a gateway for parents, educators, and caregivers to access the child's inner world, a world rich with ideas, and vision , where thoughts , imagination, and perceptions are mixed .
In light of the social disconnection caused by modern passive media consumption leading to reduced interaction between parents and children, and even among brothers and sisters, dialogue emerges as a vital means of connecting with children's minds and emotions. Through dialogue, we can better understand them, convince them and influence their values, and guide them towards upright behavior, empowering them to become responsible members of society capable of serving their communities and contributing meaningfully to achieve its high goals in the near future.
Furthermore, dialogue plays a significant role in nurturing children's creative thinking. It offers a space for openness, comfort, and positivity. It enhances children's communication and life skills, shapes their personalities, builds self-confidence, and enables them to express their thoughts freely, eloquently, and clearly.
On the other hand , dialogue also instills values of understanding and empathy with others , and serves as a powerful tool for education, skill development, and the formation of sound perspectives about life, humanity, and the universe. It stimulates creativity talents provided we thoughtfully choose the topic, environment, approach, and logical reasoning that align with a child's level of understanding and emotional world. Moreover , dialogue opens new horizons for parents and educators, helping them decode their children's personalities, understand their inner worlds, and select the most effective educational approaches tailored to their individual traits and needs laying the foundation for informed, conscious parenting and education.
Key Tips for Effective Dialogue with Children :
Acknowledgement and respect of the child's status and individuality, considering their age and developmental stage, providing them with a sense of safety, trust, and comfort, accepting and welcoming their ideas with an open mind, and
listening to them attentively without interrupting
and responding them calmly, wisely, and in a manner appropriate to the child’s cognitive level
We can almost all agree that the publishing field was one of the first major areas to be notably affected—at an early stage—by the enchanting realms of connection and communication brought about by the internet. These networks have overshadowed many aspects of the publishing process, including the production of the book itself.
During an interview at a book fair, I put forward a proposal that was greatly appreciated by the audience for its originality and novelty. The idea revolves around engaging all parties involved in the book-making industry in an exciting experience. This journey would include all the steps and procedures of book creation—starting from the manuscript, moving through editing and proofreading, then illustration and design, followed by printing, and finally distribution to the beneficiaries.
This process involves the direct participation of the author, illustrator, designer, and professional distributor. The book then moves on to the reading phase, where a large number of children—attracted from many countries around the world from among Arabic speakers.
After the book has been produced and read, feedback is collected to evaluate the outcome. Suggestions for improvement are then implemented, followed by a study and investigation into the impact the book has had on its readers.
Undoubtedly this is an exciting experience—a call to every person has the ability to create, to embark on this worthy journey. It is worth noting that there are many potential participants who could engage in such an initiative, and they themselves will reap many benefits from their involvement. I hope that my fellow publishers will enrich this idea with their insights, and I sincerely hope that the opportunity arises to bring this concept into a tangible reality for all to see.
I had this idea and took shape as I contemplated and reflected with colleagues on the discussions taking place in publishing communities about the pros and cons of media and their impact on publishing.
Children's books are among the most important tools for shaping children's awareness, developing their imagination, and nurturing their linguistic and social skills. With the growth of the publishing industry, number of children's book releases has increased significantly. However, this quantitative expansion has not always been accompanied by a qualitative improvement that truly addresses children's developmental needs at different age levels.
Characteristics of Children's Books by Age Group:
• Early Childhood (Under 6 years): At this stage, children rely heavily on sensory perception and visual interaction. Books should therefore feature bright colors, large illustrations, and simple language with repetition and rhythm. Fabric and board books, as well as interactive books that incorporate touch and movement, are ideal for stimulating the senses and fostering a love of reading.
• Middle Childhood (Ages 7–11): Children begin developing independent reading skills and need stories with engaging plots and relatable characters. Language should remain accessible but rich in vocabulary. Stories with educational and moral themes help children understand social relationships , develop critical thinking, and explore the world around them.
• Adolescence (Ages 12–16): Teenager readers seek books that reflect their personal experiences and explore themes such as identity, ambition, and societal challenges. At this stage, teenagers appreciate more complex narratives, higher literary quality, and genres. Moreover, novels, science fiction, and realistic fiction encourage reflection and self-exploration.
Few Key Observations:
1- Lack of specialized professionals in children's book production
2- Children's book Industry: A growing number of publications, yet a shortage of high-quality content
3- Lack of innovation in interactive design in children 's books.
The Future of Children’s Publishing: Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the several obstacles facing children's book publishing, it is the time to move beyond traditional formats and embrace emerging technologies. Innovations such as 3D printing, augmented reality, sensory books, and interactive content can transform reading into a richer and more immersive experience.
With a strategic vision that prioritizes quality, creativity, and innovation, the future of children’s publishing holds great promise. A new generation of readers can discover in books their first window to knowledge, imagination, to be a tool for developing their thoughts and increasing their awareness .
زخر تراثُ أدب الطفل بحكايات ذات دلالة سياسية كحكايات "كليلة ودمنة" الذي ترجمه عبد الله بن المقفع للعربية، و"حكايات آيسوب"، حيث ضمَّ الكتابان الأمثالَ والحِكَم ومغامراتٍ ناقدةً الحياةَ الاجتماعية، وداعية للإصلاح الاجتماعي. ولتفادي السخط والنقد قصَّت الأحداثَ بأسلوب هزلي على لسان الحيوانات؛ مما أدى لاستمرار سردها وترجمتها وإعادة صياغتها لتناسب مختلف الأعمار والأجيال.
أحدث التغيرُ المتسارع في أنظمة المجتمعات والتوجهاتُ الفكرية الحديثة انشغالَ كُتّاب أدب الطفل عن الوعي المجتمعي وثقافة إصلاح قضايا الفساد، بالرغم من تعدد نوافذ الإعلام المؤثرة على ثقافة الطفل واتساع معارفه وتعايشه مع المواقف المختلفة كالسياسية والاقتصادية داخل المجتمع. لتأتي الكاتبة الكويتية "لطيفة بطي" وتعيد نهجَ قصص الإصلاح السياسي بنص ممتع بعنوان "فريج ضيم" رسوم "هناء أحمد" وإصدار سيدان عام 2022.
نصٌّ يسرد أحداثًا مؤسفة تَطالُ أهلَ "فريج ضيم" نتاجَ منافسة غير شريفة بين الجارتين "زوغة" و"صوغة" بذلت كلٌّ منهما الجهدَ للتفوق على الأخرى في بيع الحليب لأهل الفريج، ليتفاقم جشعُ "زوغة" وطمعُها فيتجاوز حدودَ الجارة، ويطال خداعُها استغلالها أهلَ الفريج كافة؛ مما تسبب بأضرار مادية، وصحية، وبيئية لسكان الفريج، تناقلت الصحفُ العالمية الأخبارَ لتتدخل هيئة الأمم المتحدة باستعجال لحل القضية.
ولتعدد قضايا القصة وأهدافها، تطلَّب النصُّ التحررَ من التقليدية والنمطية بخلْق نهْج مبتكر دافع للسخط، قريب من لغة الطفل وبيئته. لذلك لجأت الكاتبة لنسج القصة بأسلوب مبهر جامعةً عدةَ مناهج كتابية مختلفة، متلاعبة بعناصر القصة (الزمان، المكان، الشخوص)، دامجة بين الماضي والحاضر، موجدة لغة حوارية ونصية متشابكة، مستندةً على فكاهة الرسوم والإخراج. وبدا النصُّ مفعمًا بالرسائل الظاهرية والمبطنة.
وقد عكس الصراع بين شخصيتي القصة (زوغة، صوغة) قضايا مجتمعية ذات أهمية، منها:
• القضايا الاقتصادية، كالديون وسرقة المال العام.
• القضايا السياسية، الانتخابات والوعود الكاذبة.
• القضايا الاجتماعية، الواسطة وإهمال أصحاب الخبرة والعلم، وقضية البدون.
• قضايا الإعلام، وتأثيره على ثقافة المجتمع والذوق العام.
• القضايا البيئية، كالتلوث، ثقب طبقة الأوزون.
ولتشعّب القضايا ومساسها المباشر بالمجتمع وجبَ على الكاتبة الحذق والمهارة والتلون في تبيان الفكرة والنص، فكل قضية تؤثر على شريحة مجتمعية، ومن هنا تتجلى روعة ازدواجية العمق الفكري وبساطة النص؛ لتقدّم كتابًا يحترم عقلَ الطفل، ويخاطبه من عدة زوايا تعدّ كلٌّ منها نافذةً يطلُّ بها القارئ على موضوعات القصة، وتعد النوافذ تلك سرَّ تكامل العمل وتميزه، حيث قسَّمت القراءةُ التحليلية التالية نجاحَ العمل لأربعة عوامل رئيسة، هي:
أولًا: الأصالة والحداثة "ازدواجية الماضي والحاضر"
أحيا قلمُ الكاتبة الحكايات الشعبية بإعادة صياغتها مع الحفاظ على العناصر الأساسية للقصة، أو بالجمع بين أصالة القصة والتغيرات المتسارعة والمستحدَثة في المجتمع، وأتقنت "بطي" توظيفَ الشخصيات التراثية بصورة مبتكرة وشائقة، دامجةً بين الواقع والخيال لتنفرد بسياق قصصي ذي بصمة تراثية حضارية كوميدية تفاجئ القارئ بتطور الأحداث وتصاعدها بانسيابية وتشويق مستمر موجدة لغة مشتركة بين ماضي الأجداد وحاضر الأبناء لتنبثق جمالياتُ النص في موارد عدة نذكر منها ما يلي:
1- انطلقت الحكاية من نوع القصص الممتدة التراثية، حيث يعتمد هذا النوع على توالي الأحداث وترتيبها، فحدثٌ يعتمد على سابقه، ومهنة تعوّل على أخرى. فتكامل الحياة قائم على تعاون الأفراد وحاجتهم لبعضهم، هذا المعنى للتكامل يحقق العيشَ الكريم للأفراد، والاستقرارَ النفسي والاجتماعي والمالي من جهة، ويبين الترتيبَ المنطقي والتسلسلَ الطبيعي لحياة البشرية من جهة أخرى، والذي تجلى في القصة بحصاد المزارع وبيع البرسيم لمربي الماشية لإطعام الأبقار وإنتاج الحليب لبيعه في السوق من قبل الباعة. وبذلك وظفت الكاتبةُ بذكاء العباراتِ البسيطةَ المدعَّمةَ بصور توضيحية ليتحقق أمران؛ الأول: تعزيز مفهوم استمرار الحياة الطبيعية بتعاون العمل وتكامله بين أفراد المجتمع، والثاني: بيان الأثر المترتب على صفتي الجشع والطمع وانعكاسهما السلبي على طبيعة الحياة البشرية وهدمها مصالحَ الأفراد، وهي رسالة ذكية تمكّن القارئ الصغير من قياس الفارق بين الامتداد الطبيعي للحياة وبين العمل القائم على الجشع والتعدي على حقوق الآخرين، حيث تجلى الأثر بوضوح للقارئ بعد سيطرة "زوغة" وهيمنتها على سوق بيع الحليب وأثر ذلك في إهلاك العاملين في القصة، ليمثل الحدثُ ذاته مرحلةً انتقالية من المنافسة غير الشريفة إلى السيطرة على أهالي الفريج وثرواتهم والتحكم بسوق العمل.
2- من جماليات النص اشتقاق الكلمات من اللهجة الكويتية، وإن كان للفظها أصلٌ في اللغة العربية، واستلهام الكاتبة الكلمات الكويتية من صحاح اللغة العربية حقق قراءات عدة، أحدها بُني على المعنى الظاهر للهجة العامية؛ لتضفي روحًا تراثية قرَّبت القارئ إلى النص، فاستشعر أهميةَ الأحداث وأثرَها على المجتمع، والآخر المعنى الباطني لأصل الكلمة باللغة العربية؛ لتبين الكاتبة عمقَ اللغة العربية وأهمية الحفاظ على اللغة العربية وتحقق خطابًا مزدوجًا يُسَهّل إيصالَ الفكرة وفهمَ المعنى. وفّقت الكاتبةُ في اختيار الألفاظ الكويتية بدءًا من العنوان إلى أسماء الشخصيات والمرشحين وآخرين، نذكر منها ما يلي:
• "فريج ضيم" عنوان يسلط الضوءَ مباشرةً على مكان أحداث القصة، حيث يتضمن مضمونه الكثيرَ من الإيحاءات المثقلة بالهموم والألم؛ فالفريج في اللهجة الكويتية هو الحي الذي يسكنه الناس، وفي اللغة "الفرقة" طائفة من الناس، لتجمع كلمةُ فريج المعنين المكان والأفراد (المتمثل بشخصيات القصة) حيث يتشارك أهلها بالمصالح والأهداف والقضايا فضلًا عن دفء العلاقة بينهم والتقارب والجيرة. وصْفُ الفريج وأهله بالضيم، الذي يُعرَف في اللغة بالظلم والتعب، لهو تعبير صريح عن الحالة النفسية والاجتماعية والمادية السيئة لأهل الفريج التي أوجِدَت جراءَ جشع "زوغة" وطغيانها، ليشير العنوانُ المبنيُّ على اللهجة واللغة إلى رؤى متعددة منها خضب القصة بطابع التراثية، كما تعرف الصغار باللهجة الكويتية وتعزز مفرداتها، وأخيرًا تشويق القارئ لمعرفة حكاية الفريج واستثارة فضوله لمعرفة علة نعته بالضيم.
• ثراءٌ لغوي للكاتبة نسج رباطًا وثيقًا بين اللهجة واللغة، ليقدمَ قراءةً متناغمة بين ظاهر المعنى وباطنه، تجلى في استنباط الأسماء من اللهجة الكويتية كاسمي "زوغة" و"صوغة" بالرغم من انعدام استخدام الاسمين في الحياة المجتمعية إلا أن في الأمر دلالات تكشف سماتٍ داخليةً حُجبت بسلوك خارجي، وبانتقاء حاذق للأسماء حفزت القارئ لاكتشاف خبايا الرموز لكل من "زوغة، صوغة".
"صوغة" من العادات الاجتماعية الجميلة وهي هدايا المسافرين التي يأتون بها من السفر، أما "زوغة" فهي تعبير باللهجة الكويتية للإيحاء بجمال الشيء وروعته. اشتركت الكلمتان بجمال الشيء ظاهريًّا، واختلفتا في المعنى العام لأصل الكلمة لغويًّا، ليكتشفَ القارئ فهمًا أدقَّ وأعمقَ لكلا الشخصيتين. ففي المعاجم العربية "صوغة" اسم من الفعل صاغ الشيءَ أي صنعه، ويقال صاغه الله أي خلقه الله، ولا يكون خلقُ الله إلا جميلًا، أما لفظ "صوغة" في اللغة سكبة فتُستخدَم في صياغة الذهب وتشكيلة وصناعته، ليتضمن الاسمُ لهجةً ولغةً المعنى الجمالي، ويتجلى المعنى للقارئ في جمال أصالة عمل "صوغة" واجتهادها لصياغة الأفكار لإنتاج مشروع لكسب المال الحلال. تمثل "زوغة" جمالاً ظاهري أكد المعنى المتعارَف عليه باللهجة، وعُزِّز بالرسوم التوضيحية وبلباقة الحديث والإقناع اللذين تمتلكهما "زوغة"، ذلك القناع المزيف كشفه فعل اسم "زوغة" الذي جاء من زاغ أي مالَ وانحرفَ كما انحرفت شخصيتُها عن جادة الصواب لتتعدى الشرعية والقانون وتصبو لكسب مادي بالمراوغة والخداع.
• يتسع الثراء اللغوي "لبطي" لتستلهم أسماءَ مرشحي انتخابات الفريج من الأمثال الشعبية، التي تُعدُّ حكمةَ الشعوب، ليُوظف بحنكة للإشارة المجازية عن بعض القضايا والمشكلات المجتمعية من جهة، وخذلان أصحاب الرئاسة من جهة أخرى. ومن خلالها تصبو الكاتبة لأحد أهداف القصة بأسلوب هزلي مقتضَب يقلُّ بها الكلام ويتسع المعنى، لتبعث رسالتين؛ إحداهما لأهل الفريج لتوقظ الوعيَ والإدراكَ للتمييز بين الصالح والطالح، والأخرى للقارئ ليستنبط الحكمة من المثل، وعلة الاستخدام المغاير للأمثال لتنوير بصيرته، بذلك لا يقتصر توظيفُ الأمثال كأسماء، بل هي سمة للمرشح وما ستؤول إليه البلادُ وثروتها بتولي المناصب.
ولتوضيح المقصد نذكر بعضَ ما ورد في نص القصة ملازمًا لما رمَزَ من الصفات وتبيان المعنى المقابل له.
"من صادها بن معشى عيالها" المقصد الاستغلال مقابل العدل.
"حاميها بن حراميها" المقصد سرقة المال العام مقابل الأمانة.
"خشمك خشمك بن لو كان عوي" المقصد الواسطة مقابل المصلحة العامة.
"عط الخباز خبزك لو أكل نصه" المقصد اختيار الكفاءة والشخص المناسب للعمل.
"اللي ما يعرف الصقر بن يشويه" المقصد الجهل مقابل العلم.
"ليحبتك عيني بن ما ضامك الدهر" المقصد التحيز مقابل الإنصاف.
• يستمر النص بتضمين كلمات تراثية كالأكلات الشعبية مثل "الدرابيل"، وتوظيف كلمة "التجوري" للإشارة للكنز المدفون في أرض الفريج، والقارئ للنص بإمعان يعي المقصد من التجوري باعتباره ثروة البلد ومصدر الدخل الأول "النفط"، وعُلَل ذلك بأمرين؛ الأول لا حاجة من دفن التجوري لصلابته وثقل وزنه، والثاني: للإشارة الرمزية للنفط كثروة موجودة في باطن الأرض، كما في دفن التجوري دلالة فنية مُستلهَمة من الحكايات الشعبية، وفيه تعزيز للروح التراثية للقصة.
ثانيًا: الخطابات النصية المتعددة:
تعددت الخطابات وتنوعت ما بين النص السردي، الإعلانات، أخبار الجرائد والصحف، الهاشتاق، والأفكار الداخلية المُعلَنة للشخصيات، وكان لتعدد الخطابات أهداف منها: إيضاح الفكرة بإيجاز ودون إسهاب لتفادي ملل القارئ وتشويشه، توجيه غير مباشر لانتباه القارئ لبعض الرسائل المبطنة وعلل أسباب الأحداث، توعية القارئ الصغير للتأثير المباشر للإعلام على ذوق القارئ واهتماماته وأفكاره.
ثالثًا: لغة الرسم والخطاب الجسدي:
تكامل النص برسوم فكاهية ساخرة مع وضوح بساطة الحياة وتقارب العناصر البيئية كالمنازل، والملابس، مع بيئة المجتمع الكويتي، عبَرت عنها ريشة الفنانة بصدق مشاعر شخصيات القصة وآمالهم وآلامهم وبدت المشاعرُ جليًّا من تعبيرات الوجه، والحواس الجسدية (كالحركات، والمؤثرات المصاحِبة للشخصيات، والجيوب الفارغة المتدلية للخارج، وتنكيس الحقائب النسائية للدلالة على الأزمة المادية لأهالي الفريج).
رابعًا: أثر الخطاب الإعلامي على الذوق العام:
للخطاب الإعلامي قدرة على التغلغل في أعماق المجتمعات، وتغيير الثقافة، وتوجيه الذوق العام كما يشاء أصحابُ الرأي، وكان الصوت الإعلامي عاليًا ذا تأثير مباشر على ذائقة وثقافة أهل الفريج، وبدا بوضوح من خلال الترويج للبضائع، ومنافسة البضائع الأجنبية للمنتج المحلي والضرر السلبي المباشر على التاجر المحلي، والترويج لمنتجات رديئة بتكلفة مالية باهظة، وأخيرًا تأميل أهل الفريج برؤية متطورة وحديثة دون تغيير واقعي ملموس. وجهت الكاتبة خطابًا إعلاميًّا مغايرًا للقارئ بتوخي الحذر والوعي واليقظة الذهنية عند تلقي الرسائل الإعلامية بمختلف وسائطها.
انتهت حكاية "فريج ضيم" ومازال مصيرها غامضًا، غُيّبت عن أهل الفريج لكثرة المتاعب والمشكلات، كمصير الرجل العالق في الهواء يبقى وحيدًا يعوم في السماء كالبالون الطائر وهي ذات دلالة عميقة للإخفاق في معالجة بعض القضايا المجتمعية.
يعد "فريج ضيم" إنتاجًا قصصيًّا فريدًا يقدم رؤى مختلفة لثقافة الطفل، ومنحى فكريًّا منبثقًا من بيئة المجتمع، وهذا أمر يُحسَب للكاتبة بقدرتها على قراءة القضايا المجتمعية وسردها بأبعاد تراثية حضارية كوميدية تتناسب وعمر الطفل.
