Language and social distinction: speaking Darija with the right accent

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn a multilingual setting such as Morocco, the dynamics of socio-political and economic relations are bound to be affected by power and status relationships among different ethno-linguistic groups and languages. The fact that there are several languages and dialects on the linguistic scene of Morocco makes competition and status allocation unavoidable. As such, the status of each language derives primarily from the function it serves within society. This paper argues that in addition to the utility of a language and its instrumental value in guaranteeing power and upward mobility, speaking with the ‘right’ accent can also confer status and prestige on the speaker of that language. In the case of Morocco, the variety of Arabic spoken in Fez is perceived to be the most instrumental and prestigious among all other varieties. The opposite is true for most other varieties, and the Berber language does not fare any better, for it continues to be viewed as having no symbolic capital because of its association with what is rural and folkloric in Morocco, despite the state’s recent official recognition of the Berber language and culture.