Language used in periodicals and education in Morocco

Since ancient times it has been said: "The whole truth, nothing but the truth". 

May Mr. Abdelaziz Koukas allow me to base my article on the interview he gave to one of the websites on 4 November 2023, under the title: "The collapse of journalism is a reflection of the collapse of values... and politicians are controlled by money". 

The language used through newspapers and in education is one of the essential factors in countries that respect themselves and their citizens. In Morocco, even today, uncertainty persists about which language of instruction to adopt, from the country's independence in 1956 to the present. The issue of Arabisation and unification was a genuine concern for citizens and politicians alike, as it was essential for the country's future. It is important to note that our nation was colonised by France in the central region and by Spain in the north and south. 

With Morocco's independence in 1956, and for reasons that would be lengthy to explain here, it was the language of the French coloniser that prevailed. The Arabisation and unification policies that followed led to the elimination of all those educated in Spanish and Arabic. 

French has become the only language spoken and dominated. Although I am from the north and my mother tongue is Berber (Rifian), the dialect I learned as a child was that of Tetouan.  I studied in public schools that taught in French and Arabic. In this sense, it is important to stress that we Moroccans have a linguistic diversity that only requires a democratic environment to be discussed and enriched. 

Today, public schools are marginalised and private schools have captured the attention of the highest levels of the public sphere. In Germany, Europe's leading economic power, it seems that only public education, from kindergarten to university, exists and is privileged. Whether a minister's child or a rubbish collector's child, they attend the same school. In order not to overload this article, let us return to the subject at hand: the language of newspapers and teaching. 

The French language is still dominant in the country today, despite 67 years of independence. The economic, financial and commercial sectors are conducted in French, and many of those who govern the country consider themselves predominantly French-speaking. We still face the challenges of the past and the question remains: are we going to "Frenchise" education or introduce English? It is a delicate discussion. 

The issue requires debate, but I perceive it as part of the political struggle in our country. The rulers favour French, some intellectuals opt for the "mother tongue of the country", i.e. "Darija", while others prefer Arabic. Everyone has their own views and opinions on this issue, and all opinions deserve respect. The question of language is essential. Like you, I too have my opinion on this issue. 

I will share with you my little experience, both in the past and more recently. At the time, I was a trade unionist in the Democratic Confederation of Labour (in the banking sector) alongside Abdelkerim Benatiq. I also held the position of general secretary in the rural bank "Credit Agricole". Most of the trade union communiqués were written in French. The bank's top managers spoke only French and other foreign languages. As for the employees and managers in the sector, most of them worked in French. Over time, we learned that it was better to write in French so that the first manager could read the union communiqué directly, without having to ask his close collaborators to translate it. 

In 2018, at the age of sixty, I had the opportunity to enrol in law school. When I am asked what I do for a living, I answer that I study law. However, when I add "Law in French" (or rather, in the French language), my interlocutor's reaction changes and his interest increases, despite the fact that students studying law in Arabic have an excellent education and many of them resort to studying books in French and consulting references in this language. 

It is important to tell the truth, the whole truth, like the accused. The French language is still dominant in Morocco today, whether in journalism, teaching or administration, except in rare cases. 

For information to reach decision-makers, it is necessary to use the French language. When communicating with ordinary people, Arabic must be used. Ultimately, it is essential to ask the difficult but also important question: "What do you think should be done?" This was the last question of the interview, but it is better to read it as I did.