A Socio-Historical Perspective on the Amazigh (Berber) Cultural Movement in North Africa

Abstract

A socio-historical perspective on the Amazigh (Berber) Cultural Movement in North Africa North Africa has known various colonizations which in contact with indigenous ones have given the area a special character. One continuing presence since antiquity is that of the Berbers, or the Imazighen, the indigenous population of the area. In this article an attempt is made to shed light on the status of the language and culture of the Imazighen, and in particular on the recent calls for official recognition of the Amazigh language in the constitutions of the two countries with the highest presence of Imazighen, namely Morocco and Algeria. Although some recent developments, like the teaching of the Amazigh language in primary schools, give reason enough to be optimistic about the future of the indigenous language and culture, a closer look at the ideological background of pan Arab-nationalists casts doubts on any serious government intentions to guarantee the maintenance and development of the Amazigh language and culture. This ideology will be brought to light by contrasting the constitutional rights that some Muslim and/or African countries grant to their citizens who speak different languages than the official one(s).

دراسة الجوانب التاريخية والسيرة الذاتية لشاول بيلو مغامرات أوجي مارش ومحمد شكري للخبز وحده : قراءة تاريخية جديدة

“…It was also thought of as a conspiracy by the Amazigh themselves to break the unity of the people of the country and it was not signed by the king. Further, the "activists will have to face charges of attempting to recreate this decree whenever they claim their identity as different from the (pan-) Arab one" (Elaissati, 2005: p.62). From this time on, the Moroccan authorities tightened the chains on the Amazigh and toughening the suppression processes against them.…”

“…Though "45% of Moroccans were native speakers of an Amazigh language" (Khazaal, 2013: p.150), the country declared that it was an Arab country with Arabic identity and language, which was a shock for the Amazigh population. Elaissati (2005) sees that it was "strange that not a single mention is made of Berber, either as a language or as a part of the identity of the country" (pp.62-63). This condition led the Amazigh to feel displaced in their land.…”

Adaptation Patterns of the Berbers in Morocco and Algeria: Julian Steward's Cultural Ecological Perspectives

“…Most cite the Berber population at around 25% in Algeria, particularly in mountainous areas such as Kabylia, the mountains of Aures (Chaouia) and M'zab which are the areas with the largest Berber population. Then about 45% in Morocco with the highest concentrations in the Rif area, the Atla Mountains, and the Souss Valley (El Aissati, 2005).…”