Exploring the Student Perspective: Amazigh Language Policy Implementation in Morocco
Submitted by:
Yassine Boussagui
Abstract:
The Arabic language and Islam have served as the two main pillars of Moroccan language policies ever since the country's independence, justifying the exclusion of Amazigh from schools and normalizing the use of standard Arabic as the only language of instruction. This has resulted in the stigmatization of the Amazigh linguistic and cultural heritage and the moulding of culture of resistance to Amazigh linguistic revival. The state, however, began a process of “opening to Amazigh” beginning with its recognition as a national language in 2001, its integration in primary education in 2003 and culminating in its recognition as an official language in 2011. But in view of the failure of the state to generalize the teaching of Amazigh all over the country, it remains warranted to question the efforts made in the last 20 years to reconcile Moroccans with Amazigh and to investigate the implementation of the Amazigh language-in-education policy. This study investigates the unique perspective of students who have studied the Amazigh language, shedding light on their experiences and insights regarding the implementation of Amazigh language policies in the educational system. It explores both the challenges students encountered while learning Amazigh and valuable insights they have on the implementation process of Amazigh teaching. The study employs a mixed methods approach involving both the quantitative and qualitative research methods, including surveys, and focus group discussions, to capture the nuanced views of Amazigh language learners. Findings from this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of the Amazigh language policy in Morocco and offer valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders involved in formulating the language policies in the country. Additionally, the student perspective provides a crucial voice in the ongoing discourse surrounding Amazigh linguistic and cultural preservation and revitalization.
Keywords: Amazigh language – L1 education - Language policy – language revitalization