The 1st International Conference on Amazigh Language in the 21st Century: Realities, Challenges, and Future Prospects
Agadir, Morocco
Organization: Ibn Zohr University
Call for Papers
The Research Laboratory in Culture, Language, Arts, and Society at the Faculty of Languages, Arts, & Human Sciences organizes:
The 1st International Conference on Amazigh Language in the 21st Century: Realities, Challenges, and Future Prospects
1-2 April 2026
Faculty of Languages, Arts, and Human Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Ait Melloul University Campus
Background
Over the past three decades, the official stance on the Amazigh language (Tamazight) and culture in North Africa has undergone significant transformations. Political upheavals, coupled with the rise of linguistic human rights, have contributed to a shift in attitudes towards Tamazight in the region. In Morocco, the ascension of King Mohamed VI in 1999 marked a pivotal moment in state policies towards the Amazigh language and culture. In 2001, the language was recognized as a national language, and by 2003, it was introduced into primary education as part of a broader revitalization effort. A momentous step that culminated in its recognition as an official language in 2011.
A similar trajectory unfolded in Algeria, where the Black Spring of 2001 in Kabylie galvanized the recognition of Tamazight as a national language, ultimately leading to its elevation to official status in the Constitution in 2016. Despite these advancements, the progress in other parts of North Africa has been slower and more fragmented, reflecting the enduring challenges that the Amazigh language faces in the region, from political resistance to societal indifference, all of which place the language in a precarious position of endangerment.
However, beneath these seemingly progressive reforms in Morocco and Algeria lies a more complex reality. These policy changes must be critically assessed, as they often appear to be more a political strategy aimed at appeasing certain groups than a reflection of a genuine commitment to the revitalization of the Amazigh language. The shift from marginalization, once justified under the banner of national unity and modernity, has now been reframed under the rhetoric of unity in diversity and national cohesion. While the language is being promoted as part of the national identity, it remains confined within the realms of political rhetoric rather than genuine societal transformation.
In Morocco, for instance, the integration of Tamazight into the education system remains far from complete. Less than 50% of schools have implemented programmes of instruction of Tamazight, and where it is taught, it is often marginalized within the curriculum, taught as an elective rather than a core subject. This disparity underscores the challenges of translating official recognition into tangible revitalization efforts. It highlights the gap between policy intentions and the realities on the ground—where systemic and infrastructural barriers prevent the true preservation of the language.
The situation in Algeria, despite its legislative victories, mirrors this trend. Even though the language gained official status, its presence in daily life, media, and education is still inconsistent. The persistence of these challenges suggests that linguistic revitalization in the Maghreb is not just a matter of official recognition, but requires a deeper shift in societal attitudes, political will, and concrete investments in education, media, and cultural preservation.
Moreover, this process should involve a more inclusive approach that includes not only state-driven initiatives but also grassroots efforts. Civil society movements and community-based language practices are essential in revitalizing the Amazigh language and ensuring its survival for future generations.
Ultimately, the struggle for the preservation and revitalization of the Amazigh language is not only a matter of linguistic rights but also a fight for cultural diversity and the recognition of marginalized identities within the broader socio-political landscape of North Africa.
Aim of the conference:
The conference comes at a juncture where the Amazigh revitalization project, in its formal and informal dimensions, is losing steam and it aims, therefore, to bring together researchers, scholars, and practitioners to discuss the challenges and prospects of preserving, promoting, and developing the Amazigh language and culture in contemporary North African and Amazigh diasporan societies.
Themes and Topics:
§ Tamazight in a Multilingual North Africa and the diaspora
§ Amazigh Language recognition: between text and practice
§ Status planning and corpus planning of Tamazight in North Africa
§ Amazigh language-in-education policies
§ Amazigh language loss and attrition
§ Amazigh language maintenance and revitalization
§ Between Recognition and Folklorization: Challenges in Amazigh Cultural Representation
§ Media and the portrayal of Amazigh culture
§ The impact of globalization on Amazigh cultural practices
§ Contemporary Amazigh literature and its role in cultural identity
§ The role of education in the promotion of Amazigh identity
§ Linguistic rights advocacy and policy implementation
Submission Guidelines
Submissions are solicited for theme session presentations which should last for 15 minutes with 5 minutes for questions (maximum 20 minutes total), and they should be in line with the following guidelines:
???? Abstracts should be 250-300 words, including the title, keywords, and the author’s name,
affiliation, and contact information.
???? Fill out the Abstract Submission Form at: https://forms.gle/Cz2sthG8dwkBnjqm8
???? Abstracts must be submitted in English. Papers can be also presented in Arabic or
French.
???? The bio should not exceed 100 words
Publication Opportunities:
Selected papers presented at the conference will have the opportunity to be published in a special issue of a peer-reviewed journal or edited volume dedicated to the Amazigh language. Further details will be provided to authors of accepted abstracts.
Important Dates:
???? Abstract Submission Deadline: June 30th, 2025.
???? Notification of Acceptance: September 20th, 2025
???? Full Paper Submission Deadline: February 15th, 2026
???? Conference Dates: April 1st, 2nd, 2026
Conference Fees:
Local Professors and Senior Researchers 120 $
International Professors and Senior Researchers 250 $
Doctoral/Master students 50 $
Early birds: 5-30 October 2025
Local Professors and Senior Researchers 100 $
International Professors and Senior Researchers 200 $
Doctoral/Master students 30 $
Conference Venue: Faculty of Languages, Arts, and Human Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Ait Melloul University Campus
Keynote Speakers:
Professor Katherine E. Hoffman – Northwestern University – Illinois – The USA
Professor emeritus Abderrahman EL Aissati –Tilburg University - Netherlands
Professor Salem Mezhoud – Associate Senior Fellow – African Leadership Centre – King’s College London
Conference Coordinators: Dr. Yassine Boussagui and Dr. Yassine Ait Hammou
For any queries contact: amazighconference26@gmail.com
Dr. Yassine Boussagui
