Tamazight recognized in Algeria

[Harold F. Schiffman]

	     New York Times, April 9, 2002

             World Briefing: Africa


             ALGERIA: MOVE TO PLACATE BERBERS

Parliament approved a constitutional amendment to make the language of the
country's Berber minority, Tamazight, a national language. Berbers, who
make up about one-fifth of the population of 31 million, have long sought
official recognition of their language and culture, and want Tamazight to
have equal status with Arabic. In the last year, Berbers have also pushed
for economic and social benefits for their impoverished northeastern
homeland, Kabylie, and have clashed repeatedly with the police.

                (Agence France-Presse)