Popular proverbs in southeastern Tunisia: between functions and meanings

Abstract

Popular proverbs in southeastern Tunisia represent an important part of the oral cultural heritage. They serve as a mirror reflecting the Bedouin community’s view of life, popular song constitutes a fundamental pillar of our culture and a living page that reflects the features of our customs and traditions while carrying the collective memory. It is not merely a means of entertainment or a musical rhythm; rather, it embodies the vision through which human beings perceive the world, expressing their emotions, concerns,and aspirations across generations. Popular song distinguishes itself from other forms of oral literature by its ability to accompany individuals in all moments of their lives. It is sometimes linked to festive occasions, yet it goes beyond this framework to become a daily voice that conveys people’s experiences and lived realities through expressions that are both simple and profound.
The article addressed this dimension in greater detail, highlighting the characteristics and forms that popular song takes within prisons, where it transforms from a simple artistic medium into a free space that allows inmates to express their stifled hopes, ambitions, and dreams of freedom. Thus, behind bars, the popular song becomes a psychological refuge and a window open onto a wider world, through which the prisoner regains a sense of humanity and belonging.