In a significant development, Morocco has announced plans to expand the teaching of the Berber language, Amazigh, in primary schools across the country.
The decision, revealed by the education minister, Chakib Benmoussa, on Thursday, June 1, aims to address the longstanding demand by activists to preserve the language. This move will impact approximately 4 million children attending 12,000 schools by the end of the decade.
With the largest population of Berbers in North Africa, Morocco recognizes the importance of promoting and safeguarding the Amazigh language. Currently, only 330,000 pupils are being taught the language, but the new initiative seeks to significantly increase that number.
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Implementing this expansion will require the recruitment of more specialist and bilingual teachers, according to Benmoussa. Since 2011, Amazigh has been recognized as an official language in Morocco alongside Arabic, while French remains widely spoken.
The utilization of Amazigh in administration, local authorities, public services, and both public and private education was formalized by law in 2019. The distinctive “tifinagh” script, associated with the Berber language, can now be seen on public buildings throughout the country, alongside Arabic and French.
Despite these previous efforts, Berber activists have expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress in promoting their language, particularly in the field of education.
However, recent developments, such as the declaration by King Mohamed VI to observe Berber new year’s day as an official public holiday starting next year, indicate a growing recognition of Berber culture and language within the country.
