Berbers, who had settled in Morocco long before the Arab conquest in the 7th century, have been fighting for decades to get recognition of their language and culture. For years, Tamazight (the Berber language) was banned as a threat to national unity and the minority, estimated to be one-third of the population, felt itself second class in a society that primarily identifies itself as Arab. Things began to change in the 1990s when the ban on Tamazight in schools was lifted and a decade later, when the language was codified into an alphabet and taught in schools. And now, there is a channel dedicated to broadcasting in Tamazight. This story will examine the Berbers' place in society today and how far they have come in taking their place in the cultural and political landscape.
Slug: Morocco-Tamazight
Date available for assignment: Now
Time period for assignment: 10 days
Expiration date: none
Reporter: Aida Alami
Print: Yes Video: No Audio: No Photos: Yes
