[lg policy] Algeria's Berbers Cautiously Optimistic About Reforms

[Harold Schiffman]

Algeria's Berbers Cautiously Optimistic About Reforms


Since the Algerian government announced, on January 5, that the new
constitution would recognise Berber (Tamazight) as an official language,
the North African press has been abuzz with speculation and opinion.

In mid-January, as Amazigh communities across the Maghreb celebrated
Yennayer, the Amazigh new year, activists hoped that 2966 (2016 on the
Western calendar), would be the year when their language was finally
honoured by the Algerian government.

Arabic-language media in the Middle East took notice of the anticipation,
and began running primers and roundtables on Amazigh history, pondering if
the National Liberation Front (FLN) government would indeed recognise the
language after decades of stalling. In 2002, the government had granted
Tamazight status as a "national" language, after large-scale rioting in
Kabylia left dozens dead, but there had been little progress since.

On Monday, February 7, the Algerian parliament declared that a package of
reforms had been passed, including a measure making Tamazight an official
language. The constitution will also reinstate a two-term limit on
presidential terms and establish an electoral commission.

*Official status*

The Amazigh movement has been pushing for "official" - and not just
"national" - status, so that their language can be accepted on
administrative documents.

Tamazight will now be accepted on official documents, while Arabic will
remain the language of government.

As the new constitution states, "Arabic is the national and official
language. Arabic remains the official language of the state."

A subsequent article adds: "Tamazight is also a national and official
language. The state shall work to promote and develop it in all of its
linguistic variety used within the national territory. An Algerian Academy
of the Amazigh Language shall be created, placed under the president of the
republic."

http://allafrica.com/stories/201602170465.html


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