The Arabic traditional genre "mawwal" in terms of exploring the specifics of oral professionalism

The aim of the research is to characterize the insufficiently studied genre "mawwal" in Arabic musicology (a term included in folk music in existing literature) in terms of identifying parameters of oral professionalism. The article presents and systematizes various variations of the genre induced by geographic, ethnic, and social factors. Features confirming the specific professional status of the genre are highlighted. The duality of the genre is emphasized, rooted in legends about its origins: labor folk songs and palace influences. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the very formulation of its goal and objectives. For the first time, an attempt is made to identify the range of manifestations of professionalism by comparing genre variations in Arabic traditional music. The research establishes that on one end of the professionalism scale the most narrative mawwal lies and it closely aligns with traditional classics, while on the opposite end the folkloric ataba lies. Based on the information presented, the genre can be classified as an intermediary one – folk-professional.