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ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study is to investigate patterns of Amazigh language use in light of the recent changes in the Moroccan language policy. It specifically looks at the domains of use of Amazigh as well as self-reported perceptions of its status in a number of priority domains of public life. The study makes use of methodological triangulation where both quantitative and qualitative research instruments are used for data collection. A sample of 151 informants has been selected from the region of Rabat-Sale on the basis of numerous sociolinguistic variables, including age, sex, ethnic group as well as mother tongue. Results suggest that despite the informants’ unstable use of Amazigh in various domains, the revitalisation of the language has not fared well due to lack of genuine political will to implement the provisions of article five in the 2011 constitution. The study calls for a democratic implementation of the official character of Amazigh to (i) enhance its social visibility in public life domains (ii) allow it to serve its role as an official language, and (iii) guarantee its perpetuation.
Acknowledgments
We thank the anonymous reviewers for their insightful comments and suggestions to improve the manuscript. We also would like to express our gratitude to all the informants who have volunteered to take part in this research. My sincere thanks also go to my second supervisor at BIGSAS Prof. Dr. Valentina Serreli for her invaluable advice, comments and support.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Correction Statement
This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.