الأمازيغية والدينامية الهوياتية (2)*

On Tuesday, 20 October 2026, a panel discussion titled “A Quarter‑Century of the Amazigh Path: Ajdir Speech on Re‑reading History, Consolidating Identity, and Building Institutions” was held at the Cultural Center of Kelaat in Rabat. The event was organized in partnership with the newspaper Al‑Alam Al‑Amazigh and the Azawour Association. The speaker, a political and academic commentator, warned that the current approach to the Amazigh language and culture risks wasting public funds and slowing the official recognition of Amazigh. He argued that the policy framework must avoid measures that fail to achieve their goals, as such measures could deepen linguistic and identity tensions across Morocco. Key points raised included: Education – The speaker highlighted the lack of Amazigh‑language programs in schools and universities. He cited the decline in university departments dedicated to Amazigh studies, which undermines the sixth article of Law No. 26‑16 that mandates the creation of specialized units for Amazigh language and culture research. Cultural Integration – The commentator called for a cultural policy that places Amazigh culture at the center of public policy rather than as a peripheral element. He suggested a “National Charter of Moroccan Culture” that would promote the diversity of Moroccan cultural expressions, support regional and local initiatives, and foster partnerships with the private sector. Digital and Media Initiatives – The speaker proposed the development of interactive digital portals and cultural websites focused on Amazigh heritage, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the national identity and support the advanced regional model. Bilingualism and Identity – The discussion touched on the balance between Arabic, Amazigh, and foreign languages in education. The commentator warned that privileging a single foreign language could create a sense of linguistic insecurity and weaken the identity of Arabic and Amazigh speakers. He advocated for a model that treats all languages as equal and functional, drawing on international examples such as Japan, Korea, and Iceland. Legal Framework – The speaker questioned how the current educational law (Law No. 17‑51) addresses the linguistic debate and whether it adequately protects the rights of Amazigh speakers. He suggested that the law should be revised to reflect the constitutional recognition of Amazigh as a national language and to promote its use across all public sectors. The panel concluded that a coherent, inclusive policy on language and culture is essential for fostering citizenship, social cohesion, and national identity in Morocco. The speaker emphasized that any failure to integrate Amazigh fully into public life could lead to a “linguistic and cultural bottleneck” that would hinder the country’s development and the realization of its diverse heritage.

Article source: Alyoum24 | Image credit: Alyoum24

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