I would like to bring to your attention the creation of a new association for the promotion of the Moroccan language. Membership is open to anyone interested in any discipline related to the study of Moroccan Darija, linguistic, cultural or sociological. Currently, the Association functions mainly as an e-mailing list. We are however in the process of creating a website which will be online before the 15th of December. We will notify you as soon as it is completed.

 

The Association intends to spearhead the national promotion and the institutionalization of the Moroccan language. While Arabic remains the official language of Morocco, Darija, which is spoken by Moroccans in the street and at home is still stigmatized as a vulgar vernacular. By raising the status of Darija to that of a national and thus written language, children will be able to pick up a book and read at an age (2 to 6) when reading habits are acquired. Right now, reading is contingent on learning the basics of Classical Arabic language, fundamentals taught at the first or second grade level. This late start – and most importantly, the fact that education requires the knowledge of a non-native language – explains the current alarming rates of illiteracy that plague Morocco.

 

The history of Darija could be no different than that of French or Italian, which were once hampered by the sacrosanct authority of Latin and considered vulgar vernaculars before Du Bellay’s Défense et illustration de la langue française or Dante’s De vulgari eloquentia.

 

To become a member, please email ff273@nyu.edu

 

In the message area, include only this: SUBSCRIBE MLA [YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS]

 

Once you have subscribed, you may send mail to the list at the following address: moroccan-language-association@lists.nyu.edu.

 

Please do not hesitate to forward this email to anyone you believe might be interested in joining our debate.

 

Sincerely,

 

Fayçal Falaky