Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS) · Research article · Open access
The Weight of International Relations on Language Policy & Planning in Morocco
Dr. Fathi Said
8 July 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 7, pp. 989-994
DOI: 10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E7/2026-08
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What is this article about?
The relationship between international relations and language policy in Morocco reveals a dynamic interplay where historical legacies, geopolitical alliances, and global aspirations converge to shape linguistic planning. Morocco’s colonial past under French and Spanish rule left enduring marks on administration, education, and commerce, embedding European languages into the nation’s institutional fabric.
Article at a glance
- Published
- 8 July 2026
- Volume / issue / pages
- Vol. 2, Issue 7, pp. 989-994
- ISSN
- 3051-3561 (online) · 3051-3553 (print)
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0 — free to read and reuse with attribution
- Peer review
- Double-blind, at least two independent reviewers
- Publisher
- EP Journals Group
Abstract
The relationship between international relations and language policy in Morocco reveals a dynamic interplay where historical legacies, geopolitical alliances, and global aspirations converge to shape linguistic planning. Morocco’s colonial past under French and Spanish rule left enduring marks on administration, education, and commerce, embedding European languages into the nation’s institutional fabric. French, in particular, continues to function as a de facto official language, dominating higher education, business, and diplomacy, while Spanish retains regional influence in the north. Alongside these colonial residues, Arabic—both Classical and Modern Standard—anchors Morocco’s religious, cultural, and national identity, complemented by Moroccan Arabic varieties and the constitutionally recognized Standard Tamazight, which symbolizes inclusivity and indigenous heritage. The rise of English as a global lingua franca further complicates this mosaic, reflecting Morocco’s strategic pursuit of integration into international networks, economic partnerships, and educational reforms. English is increasingly promoted in schools and universities, aligning with Morocco’s ambition to strengthen ties with Anglo-Saxon countries and enhance competitiveness in global markets. This multilingual reality illustrates Morocco’s balancing act: preserving cultural identity while embracing globalization, negotiating tensions between de jure and de facto language statuses, and leveraging linguistic diversity as a soft-power tool in Africa and the Arab world. Ultimately, Morocco’s language policies embody both continuity and change, serving as instruments of identity, diplomacy, and socio-economic development in an interconnected world.
Keywords: Globalization - de facto - international relations - de jure – soft power - language policies - official language - standardization
Cite this article
Dr. Fathi Said (2026). The Weight of International Relations on Language Policy & Planning in Morocco. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(7), 989-994. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E7/2026-08
@article{Dr2026,
title = {The Weight of International Relations on Language Policy & Planning in Morocco},
author = {Dr. Fathi Said},
journal = {Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies},
year = {2026},
volume = {2},
number = {7},
pages = {989-994},
doi = {10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E7/2026-08},
url = {https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E7/2026-08}
}Questions about this article
Who wrote this article?
Dr. Fathi Said.
Where and when was it published?
In Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, Volume 2, Issue 7, pages 989-994, published by EP Journals Group on 8 July 2026.
Is this article free to read?
Yes. It is open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) licence, so anyone can read, share and reuse it with attribution.
What is the DOI of this article?
10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E7/2026-08 (https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E7/2026-08).
How do I cite this article?
APA: Dr. Fathi Said (2026). The Weight of International Relations on Language Policy & Planning in Morocco. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(7), 989-994. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E7/2026-08
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