Stroll through a bazaar in Marrakesh or Fes and eventually you will come across a stall lined with pairs upon pairs of brightly colored shoes. These Moroccan slippers, or babouche, are easily recognizable. They have flat soles and are open at the back. Styles with a round toe are Berber babouche and ones with pointed toes are the Arabic version.
In terms of design, anything goes. You can find anything from simple leather slippers to shoes that are covered in embroidery and beads.
就設計而言，什麼都有可能。你可以找到任何樣式，從簡單的皮革拖鞋到上頭覆有刺繡和珠子的都有。
embroidery [ ɪmˈbrɔɪdərɪ ] n. 刺繡，繡花
The babouche originated in the Middle East thousands of years ago and were worn by nomadic Bedouins that lived throughout North Africa. The French name for the slipper most likely comes from the Arabic word babush or the Persian word papush. The shoes became extremely popular in 17th-century France when they were worn as a fashionable status symbol among wealthy courtiers.
Interestingly, while Moroccan slippers were gaining traction in France, they were being banned in Morocco. After parts of Morocco were recaptured from the Spanish, the ruler Moulay Ismail ibn Sharif outlawed black slippers because he felt they were a sign of the Spanish Catholics. He allowed Jewish residents to wear the black shoes, though, since it was part of their custom at the time. Meanwhile, Muslims were required to wear yellow slippers.
traction [ ˈtrækʃən ] n. 受到歡迎或接納 recapture [ riˈkæptʃɚ ] vt. 奪回，收復 resident [ ˈrɛzədənt ] n. 居民
Over the centuries, the shoes have gone in and out of style. They have even been featured on high-endrunways and in fashion magazines in recent years. Thanks to their overwhelming popularity, you don’t need to plan a trip to Morocco to get your hands on some. However, if you do want a more authentic pair, it is recommended that you buy your Moroccan slippers in Fes, where there are tanneries that produce the leather used for the shoes.
high-end [ ˈhaɪˌɛnd ] a. 高檔的，高端的 runway [ ˈrʌnˌwe ] n. 伸展臺 tannery [ ˈænərɪ ] n. 製革廠
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1. Who were first known for wearing Moroccan slippers?
(A) French royalty. (B) Nomadic tribes. (C) Fashion models. (D) Persian merchants.
2. According to the passage, which of the following statements is true?
(A) Moroccan slippers have both flat soles and high heels.
(B) You will see only one color of Moroccan slippers in a market of Fes.
(C) For religious reasons, Moulay Ismail ibn Sharif banned black babouche.
(D) Muslims were allowed to wear black shoes because it was their tradition.
3. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT true about Moroccan slippers?
(A) The toes of Moroccan slippers come in only one shape.
(B) The name originated from an Arabic or Persian word.
(C) They are traditionally made out of leather.
(D) They are now considered fashionable.
4. Which of the following images is a picture of Moroccan slippers?
