ABSTRACT
The past 15 years have witnessed significant changes in the Amazigh language scene in Morocco. Several attempts have been made to recognize the language and enhance its status. The establishment of the Royal Institute for Amazigh Culture in 2001, the development of Tifinagh script and Standard Amazigh, the (partial) introduction of the language in the educational system in 2003, its officialization in 2011, and inclusion in the current education policy framework are important milestones in this process. However, these developments are fraught with pitfalls. It is argued in this chapter that these configurations potentially contribute to Amazigh “devitalization.” This form of linguistic impoverishment emerges at the intersection of colonial histories, state policy, institutionalized language hierarchies, language planning designs and effects, and cultural politics. Devitalization attempts to recast the state of Amazigh in a more holistic mold that might hopefully help grapple with the complexities of reclaiming the language.
