Language in Politics: Exploring the Impact of Political Discourse on the Depiction and Reframing of Amazigh Language Ideologies in Morocco

Speech plays a pivotal role in achieving political objectives and influencing the masses. The presence of Tamazight in Moroccan political discourse dates back to August 20, 1994, when King Hassan II publicly acknowledged the Amazigh language (Tamazight henceforth) as a prerequisite for Moroccan identity. In fact, many initiatives, especially those undertaken by Amazigh activists, have sought to institutionalize Tamazight since independence. However, the language policies adopted by successive post-independence governments have led to the language’s underrepresentation. The 1994 Agadir Charter spearheaded the recognition of Tamazight, culminating in its constitutionalization in 2011 and establishing it as a significant area of Moroccan political discourse. For decades after independence, the Moroccan political discourse was mainly dominated by an Arabo-Islamic ideology that marginalized Tamazight, portraying it as a threat to national unity. This paper examines how political discourse constructs, de/legitimizes, and reshapes evolving Tamazight-related language ideologies in Morocco. By analyzing the shift from post-independence marginalization under Arab-centric linguistic policies to full constitutional recognition in 2011, this study offers critical insights into state-directed language planning and policy. The landmark 2011 constitutional recognition has driven a paradigm shift centered on implementing top-down linguistic policies governing this important linguistic component. Following this trend, political discourse began to focus mainly on debates over the pace and quality of Tamazight instruction, its visibility in media outlets, and its use in public spaces. Generally, power dynamics influence political discourse, as politicians seek to communicate particular political messages, including linguistic issues, to manipulate others. Thus, Tamazight is approached politically through different ideological lenses that frame the Amazigh issue differently, delay the implementation of the related legal arsenal, and give rise to divergent and competing ideologies. Drawing on critical discourse analysis (CDA), this paper explores the ideological mechanisms at work in contemporary political texts and policy debates concerning Tamazight. It examines the extent to which ongoing Moroccan political discourse affects the full integration of Tamazight and reinforces language ideologies. More specifically, the study fundamentally aims to identify how political discourse approaches the Amazigh component, both linguistically and culturally, and how this reshapes related Amazigh language ideologies nationwide.