Language attitudes and language use in Morocco: effects of attitudes on 'Berber1 language policy'

• Published in: The journal of North African studies Vol. 13; no. 4; pp. 411 - 428
• Main Author: Errihani, Mohammed
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 01.12.2008
• Subjects: Amazigh; Berber; language policy; Morocco; Tamazight
• ISSN: 1362-9387; 1743-9345
• DOI: 10.1080/13629380701800492

The aim of this article is to explore the dynamics of language attitudes towards the main languages used in Morocco, especially towards the Berber language, and the effects that these attitudes are likely to have on the implementation of the language policy that requires all Moroccan children to learn Berber, regardless of their linguistic or ethnic backgrounds. The article investigates the views of a large and representative sampling of Moroccans regarding the inclusion of Berber in the educational fabric of Morocco. The findings are based on information collected through interviews, participant observations, and a survey of 531 individuals who were asked to answer a 14-question questionnaire. The results of the survey are later on discussed and analysed in order to determine how the attitudes of the respondents might shed some light on the general attitudes of Moroccans towards the different languages used in Morocco, and in particular how these attitudes might eventually affect the state's attempt at implementing the language policy of making Berber a mandatory subject of study as a means of maintaining and promoting this language.