The Status of Teaching Standard Tamazight in Moroccan Universities

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the status of teaching Standard Tamazight in Moroccan universities, situating it within the broader sociopolitical and educational context of Morocco’s multilingual identity. It traces the historical evolution of Tamazight from its marginalization to its constitutional recognition in 2011, and highlights key institutional milestones such as the creation of the Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture (IRCAM) and the integration of Tamazight in select university programs. The study examines the nature of academic offerings, including curriculum structures, pedagogical approaches, and teacher-training programs, with attention to their alignment with standardized linguistic frameworks. In so doing, it identifies critical challenges –ranging from policy implementation gaps and insufficient resources to sociolinguistic attitudes and employment limitations faced by graduates. Drawing on recent educational reforms, governmental initiatives, and community engagement efforts, the article explores future possibilities for strengthening the presence of Tamazight in higher education. Ultimately, it argues that a more strategic, inclusive, and sustainable approach is needed to fulfill the promise of linguistic equity and cultural revitalization in Moroccan Academia.