Between Amazigh writing and digital media: Current issues and prospects in the light of constant change
At the international study day "Between Tamazight Writing and Digital Media: Current Challenges and Perspectives in the Face of Constant Evolution", we'll dive into the dynamic interaction between Amazigh literature and the digital world.
This meeting, organized respectively by Daniela Merolla, professor of Berber literature and art and director of Lacnad at Inalco, and Hamza Amarouche, doctoral student in cotutelle between Inalco and Goethe University Frankfurt, will comprise three panels. Our opening session defines the objectives of this meeting, offering a panoramic perspective on the themes and topics that will be addressed throughout the day. Participants will be encouraged to engage with the sessions' reflections and ask questions during the Q&A slots.
The morning sessions will begin with an introduction by Professor Daniela Merolla, who will examine the digital landscape as an enabling space for Amazigh literary and artistic creativity.
The first panel will dive into the Amazigh literary space online, chaired by Mats Nylund, digital media researcher and professor of Media management at Arcada University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki, Finland. The session's speakers, Brahim Hasnaouy, research director at IRCAM in Morocco, Hamza Amarouche, and Sami Labaïed, PhD student at Inalco, will shed light on the discourses surrounding Amazigh identity in digital media across different regions, offering valuable perspectives on the challenges and prospects for Amazigh literature in online spheres.
After the lunch break, the second panel will begin, chaired by Axel Fanego Palat, Director of the Institute of African Studies at the Goethe University deb Frankfurt. First, Mena B. Lafkioui, Director of Research at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and Professor (Director of Studies) of Amazigh Linguistics at the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, will shed light on Tamazight writing and teaching in the digital age. Subsequently, Kamal Naït-Zerad, Professor of Berber Linguistics at Inalco, will explore in his presentation the linguistic aspects of digital media in Berber languages, enriching our understanding of linguistic diversity in the digital domain.
The final discussion panel is chaired by Professor Mena B. Lafkioui. In this panel, Amar Ameziane, researcher and Doctor in Berber Language, Literature and Society, will be joined by Aumer Ulamara, writer and journalist in Tamazight, expert in the Amazigh language, as well as Masin Ferkal, researcher and editor of the Tamazgha website and Aksil Azergui, writer and specialist in social networks. Together, they will lead a discussion aimed at fostering a creative synergy between authors and online media platforms dedicated to the Amazigh language, with the aim of promoting Amazigh literature, art and cultural heritage in the digital landscape.
As we approach the study day, we will reflect on the key ideas and insights emerging from the discussions. The event will be followed by a convivial moment where participants can continue their exchanges, fostering new connections within the academic community interested in Amazigh studies.
Organization and contacts
Hamza AMAROUCHE : hamza.amarouche@inalco.fr
Ouzna OUAKSEL: ouzna.ouaksel@inalco.fr
