Andalusia is preparing to scrap the Arabic Language and Moroccan Culture Program from its public schools, following Madrid and Murcia in a move driven by pressure from the PP-VOX alliance. The decision, affecting nearly 100 schools and thousands of Moroccan-origin families, has sparked outrage among associations denouncing a setback for coexistence and cultural diversity.
Abdou Bouzerda, a Moroccan-Dutch journalist, built his career covering Middle Eastern affairs thanks to his mastery of Arabic, which allowed him to report on developments such as the Syrian war and the rise of ISIS. Now an analyst at the Dutch broadcaster VPRO, he provides insights into the region’s conflicts and their global implications.
In 2024, Darija remains the dominant in Morocco, with French playing a significant role in professional settings and English steadily rising, according to a recent survey on the Moroccan linguistic landscape. The survey also highlights the country's multilingualism, with a growing number of people speaking multiple languages, especially among younger and urban populations.