Culture

Morocco Paves the Way for Amazigh Integration: A Linguistic Renaissance

Tuesday 11 June 2024 - 13:00

In a pivotal stride towards linguistic inclusivity, the Moroccan government has forged a groundbreaking partnership to bolster the official status of the Amazigh language. This monumental accord, signed by the President of the House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi Alami, and the Minister of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, Ghita Mezzour, signifies a momentous chapter in Morocco's cultural tapestry.

The accord heralds a multifaceted initiative, meticulously crafted to seamlessly integrate the Amazigh language into the parliamentary realm. The first phase will witness the introduction of instantaneous Amazigh translation within the House of Representatives. This pioneering feat will enable legislators to communicate in their indigenous tongue, fostering a profound sense of inclusivity and representation.

Talbi Alami, in his remarks to the press, underscored the significance of this agreement, asserting its pivotal role in elevating the Amazigh language to its rightful status as an official language of Morocco. "The council has been actively working on this matter and initiated a project for instant Amazigh translation," he declared, acknowledging the invaluable contribution of the Ministry of Digital Transition to this endeavor.

The second phase of this linguistic renaissance will involve a comprehensive undertaking to translate parliamentary committee proceedings and written materials into Amazigh within a five-year timeframe, adhering to legal mandates. Minister Mezzour affirmed her ministry's steadfast commitment to assisting the House in integrating the Amazigh language into its operations.

Mezzour explained that the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform will provide real-time translation services, ensuring the coexistence of Amazigh and Arabic during parliamentary meetings and associated endeavors. These translations will be broadcast on Amazigh public television and radio channels, as well as the official YouTube channel of the House of Representatives, fostering inclusivity and accessibility for all Moroccans.

The scope of this collaboration extends beyond translation; it encompasses a holistic approach to promoting the Amazigh language. This includes supporting projects and programs aimed at amplifying the presence of Amazigh within the House of Representatives, empowering citizens to engage with the activities of their representatives through their native tongue.

In a momentous declaration, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch announced in 2022 the allocation of 200 million dirhams in a finance law to promote the official status of the Amazigh language, with a commitment to incrementally increase this allocation, reaching one billion dirhams by 2025.

The Amazigh language, deeply ingrained in the rich tapestry of Moroccan history, is a quintessential component of the nation's cultural fabric. Officially recognized by the constitution since 2011, it stands as a shared heritage for all Moroccans, transcending boundaries and uniting the diverse threads of a vibrant nation.