His famous
autobiographical novel Fī ṭ-Ṭufūla (In Childhood), published in 1957, was one of the first Moroccan novels in Arabic. He published Part One of
In Childhood in 1957 and Part Two in 1968. The main theme is the conflict between the child's two identities, English and Moroccan. This story is unique for Moroccan literature as for Benjelloun the western ideas are familiar to the child, but the Arab country is unknown. By writing
In Childhood he marked a shift in attitudes towards autobiographical writing in Morocco. He marked a shift away from the traditional Arabic modes of writing towards the contemporary, western approach. This marks the significance of his autobiography, as it lays the foundation for a new era of literature in Morocco. Benjelloun's western approach can best be understood by his upbringing, as he grew up in Manchester until later moving to Morocco. This will have an influence on his writing as his first cultural identity was English instead of Moroccan. The notion of language is a powerful theme. Benjelloun had only spoken English in Manchester, noting an ignorance of Arabic. Through the auto-biography we see the learning of Arabic as a personal triumph. Language holds a significant impact in regard to the context of language in Morocco. Within Moroccan borders, four languages are spoken; Arabic, Berber, French and Spanish. By writing it in Arabic, this autobiography became a symbol of modern Arab cultural identity and how promoting the Arab language can help to encourage unity. Another work by Abdelmajid Benjelloun is
The Weaver. In this the protagonist feels helpless in his craft as they are threatened by the European factories. This short story relates to the attack the Moroccan nation felt on their national identity. This draws on customs that had been negatively affected as new ethical codes were introduced. ==Bibliography==