A Nation Divided: Concerns Over Linguistic Diversity in Morocco’s Census
The Moroccan Association for Research and Cultural Exchange (MARC) has publicly challenged the recent national census, claiming it undermines the country’s rich organization-accuses-high-commissioner/” title=”International Organization Accuses High Commissioner Amidst Advertising Controversy”>linguistic diversity. The organization argues that the census methodology, particularly its approach to the Amazigh language, is flawed and will lead to inaccurate data that fails to reflect the true linguistic landscape of Morocco.
At the heart of the issue is the status of Amazigh, recognized as an official language alongside Arabic in the 2011 Moroccan constitution. MARC contends that the census, conducted by the High Commission for Planning (HCP), disregards this constitutional recognition by failing to incorporate Amazigh in any meaningful way.
The organization points to several concerning factors, including:
Exclusion of Amazigh in Census Materials: The census forms were reportedly only available in Arabic, potentially excluding a significant portion of the population who primarily speak Amazigh. This lack of linguistic inclusivity raises concerns about equal representation and access to information.
Absence of Key Questions: MARC criticizes the census for omitting crucial questions about the languages spoken by citizens in their daily lives. This omission, they argue, will inevitably skew the results and paint an incomplete picture of Morocco’s linguistic tapestry.
Lack of Consultation with Experts: The organization further alleges that the HCP failed to consult with researchers and civil society organizations specializing in cultural and linguistic diversity during the census preparation and implementation. This lack of expert input, they argue, further undermines the census’s credibility and accuracy.
MARC draws parallels between these concerns and the 2014 census, which faced similar criticism for underrepresenting the number of Amazigh speakers in Morocco. They believe that this repeated oversight represents a deliberate attempt to marginalize the Amazigh language and culture.
The organization is calling for a transparent and inclusive approach to data collection that accurately reflects Morocco’s diverse linguistic heritage. They demand the following actions:
Suspension of Linguistic Data Publication: MARC urges the HCP to refrain from releasing any data related to linguistic diversity until the methodological concerns are addressed.
National Dialogue on Linguistic Diversity: The organization emphasizes the need for a comprehensive national dialogue on respecting and representing linguistic and cultural diversity in public policy.
Legal Action: MARC has declared its intention to challenge the census results through all available legal means if their concerns remain unaddressed.
This situation highlights the ongoing struggle for cultural recognition and representation in Morocco. As the country strives for inclusive development, ensuring that all voices are heard and reflected in national statistics is paramount.
