The question of languages and the medium of instruction in Morocco

Transnational identification processes: An association of young business leaders

“…This dual narrative continued to shape Morocco after independence in 1956. In the 1970s, the Moroccanisation of land property and the Arabisation of the educational system was intended to reduce the influence of the former colonial power and to reinforce an Arabic and Muslim identity (Alalou, 2018). Nonetheless, Morocco also turned to the former colonial power to acquire knowledge and skills for building a modern administration and state.…”

“…With Moroccan independence, standard Arabic replaced French as the official language; however, French continues to function as a privileged language in the upper social classes, in parts of the administration and even as a medium of instruction for the scientific disciplines within the educational system (Alalou, 2018; Azouzi, 2008). As French remains a prerequisite for careers in the public and private sectors, the language also still enjoys high status within the multilingual Moroccan society.…”

Quinlingualism in the Maghreb?

“…Through the first millennium, initially the Phoenicians (Ennaji, 2005: 26) followed by the Carthagians, Romans, Byzantines, and Vandals (Sadiqi, 1997: 8–9; Ennaji, 2005: 9) all came to the region. The most lasting linguistic impact occurred in the year AD 682, when the Arabs conquered the territory (Alalou, 2018: 3). In the 1400s, the Portuguese were the first modern Europeans to invade the country, settling primarily in cities along the coast.…”

“…After more than a half-century of Arabization in Moroccan schools (Alalou, 2018: 1), a new language policy recently was introduced as part of the government's Vision Stratégique de la Réforme 2015–2030 (Strategic Vision of Reform 2015–2030) (Conseil Supérieur de l'Education, de la Formation et de la Recherche Scientifique, 2015: 45–51). This broader educational initiative establishes new guidelines for local and foreign languages in schools.…”

“…Following Morocco's independence from colonial rule in 1956, both language purists and opposition parties rallied against the continuing use of French, arguing instead for Arabic to take its place (Alalou, 2018: 10). The new government consequently pushed to Arabize education, which was seen as a means to strengthen Moroccan identity and consolidate Arabic use (Ennaji, 2005: 15; Alalou, 2018: 10). The Arabization Policy of 1956 reintroduced the language to the school curriculum by mandating its use as the medium of instruction (MOI) (Redouane, 1998: 199).…”