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Dirassat

Abstract

The sociolinguistic configuration of Morocco reveals that Morocco is a multi-lingual country. Many languages coexist in it. They are of unequal importance, though, the language-field prevailing in Morocco is characterized by the prevalence of an array of languages and dialects (cf Abbassi, 1977; Boukous, 1979; Gravel, 1979; Bentahila, 1983; Ennaji, 1991...). This field remains highly distinct from the multi-racial mosaic finding form in some countries like(...) Cameroon or Tanzania (El Gherbi 1993:13). It produces an area where the confrontation of historical and language factors results into the coexistence of certain dialects. It also contributes to the evolution of some languages at the expense of others, taking it for granted that some languages are more prevalent than others due to their status and their usefulness for the country.

Therefore, the interaction of these different languages results into distinct practices such as monolingualism, bilingualism, trilinguisme and quadrilinguisme. Obviously, such interaction is rich but it portrays a complex reality.

What reality can be portrayed through the configuration of language in Morocco? What status do the prevailing languages occupy? What are the implications of the interaction of languages play? What is the position of multilingualism within the politics of language in Morocco? What arrangements are made for the development of the situation of language in Morocco? These are some of the questions that will be addressed in this research.

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