SIEL 24: Dutch Arabist Unveils Moroccan-Dutch Dictionary with 15,000 Words

Monday 13 May 2024 - 11:30

The 29th edition of the International Book Fair in Rabat witnessed the unveiling of an extraordinary lexical gem, a Moroccan Dutch dictionary containing an impressive 15,000 words. This linguistic masterpiece is the brainchild of Jan Hoogland, a renowned Dutch Arabist and linguist who has dedicated four decades to bridging the gap between Arabic and Dutch speakers.

Organized by the Netherlands Institute in Morocco (NIMAR) and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Morocco, the event showcased Hoogland's unwavering commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding through language.

In a captivating presentation, Hoogland revealed, "The second edition of my dictionary follows the resounding success of the initial basic dictionary released in 1983, which sold out many years ago. The demand for an updated version prompted the release of this second edition to provide people with an essential update."

Beyond mere lexicography, Hoogland's work represents a significant stride towards recognizing and preserving Moroccan Darija, the colloquial Arabic dialect spoken in Morocco. "This dictionary is a noteworthy contribution to the development of Moroccan Darija, showcasing to the Moroccan public that Darija is being taken seriously abroad," he remarked.

Hoogland's journey was not without its challenges. "One of the hurdles I encountered during the compilation of Moroccan words was the absence of a standard written form of Darija on the Internet. It has always been difficult to find reliable sources," he lamented. In contrast to Standard Arabic, where reliable content is readily available online, Moroccan Darija lacks a standardized spelling, adding an extra layer of complexity to the expert's endeavor.

Cultural differences and limited language contact also posed significant obstacles, yet Hoogland's determination remained steadfast. He believes that his dictionary will prove invaluable for Moroccan-Dutch learners and potentially Dutch learners interested in studying Darija. "While beginners may initially rely on courses, they will inevitably require a dictionary in the later stages of learning," he emphasized.

Hoogland's contributions extend beyond this monumental dictionary. He has authored a course book on teaching Moroccan Arabic and has dedicated a significant portion of his career to instructing both Moroccan Arabic and Standard Arabic to non-native speakers.

With his lexical bridge, Hoogland has not only facilitated cross-cultural communication but also paid homage to the rich tapestry of Moroccan linguistic heritage, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.