It is always Algeria we hear about when it comes to the Amazigh issue. Although
Zighen Aym chose the title "Cultural Apartheid in North Africa," he talks
exclusively about Algeria. In his nine-point list of repressive actions, there
is no word about Morocco or other North African countries. In Morocco, a harsh
repression of Amazigh culture has been practiced for years, although perhaps
not as flagrantly as in Algeria. It is true that we do not hear about Tamazight
radio broadcasts being forbidden, but this is because there were none
until recently. However, I remember at least one instance in which the Amazigh
magazine Tifinagh was banned in the 80's and its editor, Ouzzin Aherdan,
jailed. My criticism is not directed at Mr. Aym's work; it is rather directed
at Moroccans who are not as active as their Algerian brothers and sisters, on
the international scene at least. But, their struggle should not be
forgotten.
Ilya Topper
EDITORS' NOTE: Mr. Aym intentionally chose the terms
"North Africa" and
"Apartheid" to draw a comparison to the familiar "South African Apartheid." We
agree that Moroccan Imazighen have been and still are oppressed. In fact, the
Amazigh Voice has reported several times on their situation, particularly on
the case of the Cultural Association Tilelli of Goulmima. We thank Mr. Topper
for bringing to our intention the words "Agayu" and "Tagiya." We welcome
Mr. Topper's help and look forward to collaborating with him in the future.
I am originally from Immouzer Mermoucha (Middle Atlas) and I grew up in Sefrou.
While living in Morocco, I was always disturbed by the portrayal of Imazighen
as in folkloric terms only, while their socio-economic and political impact
on Moroccan society was totally ignored.
Although I have moved to this country and have become a US citizen, I still
cherish my Moroccan and Amazigh heritage. I hope to become an active member of
the Amazigh community and contribute my share to the promotion of my culture.
Driss BenMhend
EDITORS' NOTE: We welcome Mr. BenMhend to the Amazigh community and
thank him for supporting ACAA. Indeed, ACAA counts on all its members to
give a hand in helping to preserve and promote the Amazigh heritage in
all its diversity.
Abbderrahman El Aissati
In regards to the lexicon of the human body, I would like to suggest a very
useful reference, "Etudes de Geographie Linguistique en Kabylie," doctoral
dissertation by Andre Basset, which lists the names of 20 body parts collected
from 219 regions. If you cannot find it in the US, I would be happy to send
you a copy, along with an article I wrote on the subject.
Vermondo Brugnatelli
EDITORS' NOTE: Our thanks to Professor Brugnatelli for his suggestion
and for the material in question, which we have asked him to send to the
Amazigh Voice.
Granada, Spain.
Proud of my Amazigh Heritage
During a recent visit to Morocco, I picked up the latest issue of Tifinagh
Magazine. After reading most of the articles, I was very impressed and moved
by the achievements of the Amazigh movement in terms of educating the Moroccan
and international readers about the Amazigh culture. Reading Tifinagh made me
more proud of my Amazigh heritage. So, I decided to get involved with the
Amazigh movement in this country and to pursue research in Amazigh history.
This led to my contacting ACAA and the editors of the Amazigh Voice.
Rockville, Maryland, USA
Dear editors,
Congratulations on another wonderful issue of the Amazigh Voice, and thank you
very much for sending me a copy. A footnote to my article, "The Teaching of
Tamazight in the Netherlands," indicates that the Tamazight course will not be
offered in Nijmegen anymore. This, to our delight, is no longer true, at least
for next year (96-97). I will be teaching the course again, despite my new job
at the University of Tilburg. However, the course in Tilburg has been postponed
until the academic year 97-98. Better late than never!
Department of Language and Minorities
Tilburg University, The Netherlands
A Suggestion
I find the last issue of the Amazigh Voice very interesting, especially the
article, "High Commission for Amazighity," by Nora Akrouf. I had heard of
HCA's creation, but had no details on its structure and mission. The
article was very informative and answered a lot of my questions.
Centro Studi Camito-Semitici di Milano
Milan, Italy