Morocco
Morocco has constitutionally adopted a bill to formalize the Berber language, but awaits Parliament to endorse it.
A council of ministers adopted a draft bill which could see the language also being integrated in the education system and other various sectors. Activists have called for a clear indication on how the language will exactly be used in everyday life.
Although there are conflicting numbers, experts estimate that as many as eight million people- a quarter of the country’s population – speak one of the dialects of the language. Moreover, despite the country’s Berber roots, the ruling elite have been accused of suppressing the Berber culture, subsequently the language itself for decades following Morocco’s independence in 1956, making it difficult for government to give it much attention.
The language, which comes in three main dialects in Morocco was recognized in 2011 as an official language alongside Arabic in the new Constitution. But there hasn’t been movement to officially only until recently.
AFP
01:50
Morocco marks anniversary of Western Sahara occupation as UN mission ends
02:19
Museum focused on Jewish Moroccan heritage opens in Fez
01:04
Morocco say it remains committed to Western Sahara ceasefire as peacekeeping mission ends
02:18
UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ends after 35 years
01:00
Pix of the Day, 30th October, 2026 - Across the world
01:11
Western Sahara: Polisario front challenges UN Envoy as MINURSO mandate vote nears