Moroccan coalition calls for French to be phased out in favour of Arabic

On December 17, A coalition of Moroccan organisations called for an end to the predominance of the French language across education, public administration, and other sectors, arguing that greater emphasis must be placed on strengthening the role of Arabic.

According to TRT World, in a statement issued to mark World Arabic Language Day, the Moroccan National Arabic Language Coalition said that building a more inclusive linguistic future for the country is only possible through the effective implementation of Arabic’s official status in all spheres of public and social life.

The coalition stressed that achieving this goal would require what it described as a “clear and decisive language policy” aimed at establishing Arabic as the primary language used in education, governance, finance, business, and other key sectors, while putting an end to the prevailing dominance of French.

It also called for public institutions and private companies to be obliged to use Arabic or Amazigh (Berber) in official documents, services, and correspondence, in line with existing legal regulations.

The statement comes amid ongoing criticism from a number of civil society organisations over the continued use of French by state institutions, non-governmental organisations, and banks.

Morocco’s Constitution, in Article 5, stipulates that “Arabic is the official language of the state, and the state shall work to preserve, develop, and promote its use,” while also affirming that Amazigh is an official language and an integral part of the shared heritage of all Moroccans.

Despite these constitutional provisions, the continued use of French has remained controversial, particularly since the implementation of an education reform law in August 2019 that allows certain subjects to be taught in French. That policy triggered strong opposition from political parties and civil groups, many of which regard French as a legacy of colonial rule and reject its ongoing role in the country’s education system.

By Tamilla Hasanova