Debating Darija: : Telquel and language politics in modern Morocco

• Autores: Annemarie Iddins
• Localización: Media, Culture & Society, ISSN-e 1460-3675, Vol. 32, Nº. 2, 2015, págs. 288-301
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • This article examines the role of Darija, or Moroccan Arabic, in relation to ongoing debates about Moroccan identity and citizenship in an era of increased global connectivity. In particular, I focus on debates surrounding language and identity in a prominent francophone news magazine called Telquel. Through a thematic textual analysis of Telquel, I examine how language has emerged as a key structuring factor in shaping Moroccan identity and politics. Situated in relation to broader transitions in Moroccan society and culture over the past decade as well as recent socio-political movements across the Middle East–North Africa region, this study shows how Telquel became a crucial site of cultural production wherein discussions of language, identity, and political priorities were played out, particularly in the Arab Spring moment. I argue that Telquel attempts to provoke discussion by constantly testing the boundaries of free expression, taking on taboo topics such as the monarchy, declaring them open for commentary and critique by a new category of citizen-subject.