PaLM 2 represents a major leap in AI technology, providing more nuanced and precise translations by understanding the context and subtleties of different languages. This update not only broadens the scope of Google Translate but also underscores Google’s commitment to making its services more inclusive and accessible.

Among the newly added languages is Tamazight, an old language spoken by the Amazigh  populations, native of North Africa. Tamazight features numerous dialects, but its written form is generally mutually understandable. Google Translate now supports both the Latin and Tifinagh scripts for Tamazight, ensuring that users can translate and understand content in this language more effectively.

The company noted the diverse usage levels of these languages. Some languages boast over 100 million speakers, while others are preserved despite lacking active speakers. Incorporating new languages involves considering regional varieties, dialects, and spelling standards, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate translation experience.

“We prioritize the most commonly used varieties of each language,” stated Issac Caswell, a software engineer at Google.

This update is part of Google’s broader initiative to support 1,000 languages through AI, a commitment they announced in 2022. The inclusion of these 110 languages represents over 614 million speakers, roughly 8% of the world’s population, highlighting the significant impact of this update.

The integration of these languages into Google Translate involves careful consideration of regional varieties, dialects, and spelling standards to ensure a comprehensive and accurate translation experience. “We prioritize the most commonly used varieties of each language,” explained Issac Caswell, a software engineer at Google. For example, the Romani language, which has many dialects across Europe, is represented in its Southern Vlax Romani form, with elements from Northern Vlax and Balkan Roman dialects.

The effort to include Tamazight in Google Translate was bolstered by a petition initiated by La Rando, a French organization led by Moroccan founder Karim Akachar, in 2019. The petition, which garnered over 36,579 signatures, urged Google to integrate Tamazight into its translation service. In March of the same year, the Google Translate team acknowledged the petition, stating it had been “taken into account.”

With these advancements, Google Translate is not only enhancing its utility for a wider audience but also playing a crucial role in preserving and promoting lesser-known languages.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, signed the proclamation, cementing the city’s commitment to embracing diversity and cultural heritage. The Amazigh New Year, celebrated by the Amazigh people, is a testament to the resilience and cultural significance of this community.

The exclusive recognition granted to the Amazigh American Network Organization (AANO) underscores the organization’s role in promoting and preserving Amazigh culture within the U.S. The AANO expressed immense pride and excitement at receiving this acknowledgment for the second year in a row.

“We are honored that the City of Somerville has officially recognized the Amazigh New Year 2974, demonstrating the importance of our cultural heritage. This acknowledgment for the second consecutive year is a remarkable milestone for the Amazigh American community,” stated [AANO Spokesperson].

The Amazigh community, has a rich history and cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years. This recognition by the City of Somerville is seen as a positive step toward fostering understanding and appreciation for the diverse cultures that contribute to the fabric of American society.

This recognition not only celebrates a specific cultural moment but also promotes unity and inclusivity within the community.

As the Amazigh New Year 2974 is officially recognized for the second year in a row, the City of Somerville sets a precedent for other cities and states to embrace and celebrate the cultural diversity that makes the United States a melting pot of traditions and backgrounds.

The Amazigh American Network Organization extends its gratitude to Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville for this historic recognition, fostering a sense of pride and belonging for the Amazigh community in the heart of the United States.

Historical Roots:
Yennayer, rooted in the agricultural calendar, marks the beginning of the year for the Amazigh people. It carries echoes of ancient agrarian practices and the observation of natural cycles, embodying a deep connection to the land and its bounty. As the Amazigh communities celebrate, they pay homage to their ancestors and the enduring spirit of resilience that has defined their history.

Cultural Traditions:
Yennayer celebrations are a vibrant display of Amazigh culture, featuring traditional music, dance, and culinary delights from various regions such as Rif, Atlas, Souss, and Kabyle. The festivities often showcase the unique diversity within the Amazigh community, fostering a sense of unity and shared heritage. Intricate traditional attire, lively music, and spirited dances characterize the cultural tapestry of Yennayer celebrations.

Amazigh new year event in Boston:
Since the early 2000s, the vibrant Amazigh community in the Boston area. has come together to celebrate a tradition that stands as a testament to resilience and unity. This event has weathered the test of time, becoming a cherished annual occurrence that showcases the rich history and cultural significance of the Amazigh people. As participants gather, they not only partake in festivities but also contribute to the preservation and promotion of Amazigh heritage. It’s more than an event; it’s a living testament to the enduring spirit and traditions that bind the Amazigh community in the U.S. together.

This year, the celebrations in Boston promise an extraordinary experience featuring bands from Rif, Souss and the Kabyle region with special guest of Akli D, a renowned artist known for capturing the essence of Amazigh music. Hailing from the Kabyle region, Akli D’s performance is anticipated to be a highlight of the festivities, weaving together traditional melodies with contemporary expressions.

Preserving Heritage:
Yennayer is not only a time of celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of preserving Amazigh heritage. Efforts are made to pass down traditional practices, stories, and linguistic richness to younger generations, ensuring that the cultural flame continues to burn brightly for years to come.

As communities in Boston and beyond gear up for the Amazigh New Year celebrations, the anticipation is palpable. Yennayer is not just a moment on the calendar; it’s a celebration of resilience, unity, and the enduring beauty of Amazigh culture. So, come join in the festivities, embrace tradition, and welcome the New Year with open hearts and a spirit of togetherness.

To be a part of this cultural celebration, don’t forget to secure your spot—buy your tickets now and join the Amazigh community on this amazing experience! ticket

Happy Yennayer!

One of the notable highlights of the report is the Committee’s recognition of the Amazigh language in Morocco’s Constitution. While commending this official acknowledgment, the Committee expressed apprehension about the limited presence of Amazigh in educational institutions and audiovisual media. This limitation hinders Amazigh speakers from utilizing their language in legal proceedings and official documents. To address this, the Committee recommended that Morocco intensify efforts to implement constitutional provisions and relevant laws, ensuring increased teaching of Amazigh at all levels of education. Furthermore, it urged the country to enhance the visibility of Amazigh language and culture in media and revise the legal framework to ensure parity between the Amazigh and Arabic languages in courtrooms.

The report also addressed concerns related to racial profiling and the use of excessive force by Moroccan law enforcement, particularly against migrants, asylum-seekers, and refugees, with a disproportionate impact on black migrants from sub-Saharan countries. While acknowledging Morocco’s National Immigration and Asylum Strategy from 2013, the Committee called for urgent action to prohibit racial profiling, end arbitrary arrests, detentions, forced relocations, and excessive force against these vulnerable groups. Additionally, it emphasized the need for thorough investigations into incidents of racial profiling and abuse by law enforcement officials, with subsequent prosecution and sanctions for those responsible. The Committee stressed the importance of ensuring victims’ access to effective remedies.

Morocco, with its rich cultural tapestry and diverse population, faces the challenge of ensuring that all its citizens are treated fairly and without discrimination. The recommendations from the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination serve as a roadmap for the nation to strengthen its commitment to human rights, foster inclusivity, and create a society where diversity is celebrated and protected. As Morocco continues its journey toward social harmony, the international community will be closely watching the implementation of these recommendations, hoping for positive change and progress in the fight against racial discrimination.

According to the organization’s preliminary reports, approximately 100,000 children have been affected by the powerful earthquake that struck Morocco late on Friday night – the strongest seismic event in the kingdom since 1960. Like all major earthquakes, aftershocks are likely to continue in the coming days and weeks, exposing children and families to further risks.

The organization noted that, according to authorities, more than 2,600 people, including children, have been killed, and thousands more have been injured, with these numbers expected to rise. While UNICEF does not yet have precise numbers for child fatalities and injuries, the latest estimates from 2022 indicate that children make up about one-third of Morocco’s population. The destruction of thousands of homes has led to the displacement of families, exposing them to adverse weather conditions during the colder nights.

The report explained that the earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.8, struck shortly after 11 p.m. on September 8, a time when most children and families were asleep in their homes. The United Nations estimates that more than 300,000 people have been affected in Marrakech and the High Atlas Mountains.

In conclusion, UNICEF mentioned that it has been providing support to children in Morocco since 1957 and established an office in the country in 1978. The organization has already mobilized humanitarian assistance staff to support the immediate response on the ground led by the Moroccan government. In close coordination with authorities and UN partners, UNICEF is prepared to increase humanitarian support as needed to reach children and families affected by the earthquake with essential supplies and services.

Filmmakers may submit to multiple categories by June 15th, 2023. Accepted entries will be showcased during the event, and select Filmmakers will have the opportunity to attend and introduce their film directly to the audience.

The Amazigh Film Festival is an annual event founded in Los Angeles in 2007 by Helene E. Hagan, President of Tazzla Institute for Cultural Diversity. This is a unique event in the U.S. to showcase Amazigh artists, cinematographers, and musicians from North African Amazigh culture. The festival is also a unique opportunity to educate the American audience about Amazigh culture which extends from the Canary islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, the Siwa Oasis of Egypt, and down to the Saharan countries Mali, Niger, and Burkina-Faso.

This year’s festival will be presented by the Amazigh American Network Organization, AANO, in collaboration with the Tazzla Institute for Cultural Diversity. The event has always been open to the public with free entrance, although we are asking those who are able to make donations here to help cover some of the event costs and support the work of Amazigh filmmakers. AANO is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and your donations are tax deductible.

Please fill out this form to submit your film. For entries produced by more than one contestant, please include the information for both filmmakers.

There are several reasons why many football players of Amazigh origin are often claimed as Arabs. One of the main reasons is the lack of political recognition for the Amazigh people in certain North African countries. Many Amazigh people in countries such as Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia have historically been marginalized and their identity suppressed by the dominant Arab culture. As a result, many Amazigh people may choose to identify as Arab in order to avoid discrimination and to access opportunities that may not be available to them otherwise.

Another reason is that many Amazigh people may not have the opportunity to play for a national team representing their Amazigh heritage, as there is no official Amazigh national team. In this case, they may choose to play for the national team of the country in which they live, which is often associated with the Arab identity.

Additionally, in the media and sports industry, the term “Arab” is often used as a catch-all term to refer to people from North Africa and the Middle East, regardless of their ethnic background. This can contribute to the confusion and the tendency to identify Amazigh players as Arab. Overall, the reasons behind this phenomenon are complex and multi-layered, rooted in the political and social history of the region.

Here are some of the most well-known footballers of Amazigh origin who have been often claimed as Arab:

Zinedine Zidane: Born in Marseille, France, to Algerian parents, Zidane is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. He won numerous individual awards throughout his career, including the FIFA World Player of the Year three times, and led France to victory in the 1998 World Cup. Despite his success on the international stage, Zidane has always maintained his connection to his Amazigh heritage. He is proud of his Amazigh background, and is often seen as a symbol of integration and success for French people of North African descent.

Mustapha Hadji: Born on October 23, 1971, a Moroccan football player of Amazigh origin from the Middle Atlas region. who played for clubs such as Deportivo La Coruna and Aston Villa, and for the Moroccan national team. He was known for his excellent technique and vision on the pitch, and was a key member of the Moroccan team that reached the round of 16 at the 1998 World Cup. Throughout his career, Hadji was considered one of the best midfielders in the world, and is considered a legend in Moroccan football. Despite his success, he has always maintained his connection to his Amazigh heritage, and is a known advocate for the Amazigh culture.

Wissam Ben Yedder is a French professional footballer of Amazigh origin from Tunisia. He plays as a forward for French club Monaco and the French national team. He has also played for Toulouse and Sevilla. He is known for his speed, finishing, and ability to score goals. Ben Yedder has represented France at various youth levels before making his senior debut in 2018.

Nordin Amrabat is a professional football player of Amazigh origin from the Rif. He was born on January 2, 1989 in Utrecht, Netherlands, to Moroccan Amazigh parents. He began his professional career as a winger for Dutch club Feyenoord Rotterdam. He then played for various clubs such as PSV Eindhoven, Galatasaray, Watford FC, and currently he is playing for AEK Athens. Amrabat has always been connected to his Amazigh heritage and has spoken about it in interviews, expressing his pride in his roots and the importance of preserving the Amazigh culture. Despite his success on the international stage, he has remained a humble and down-to-earth person, always staying connected to his roots.

Karim Benzema is a professional football player of Amazigh origin. He was born on December 19, 1987 in Lyon, France, to Algerian Amazigh parents from Kabylie. He began his professional career as a striker for French club Olympique Lyon. He then moved on to play for Real Madrid, where he became one of the most successful and prominent players in the team’s history, winning numerous accolades and titles over the years.

Samir Nasri is a French professional footballer of Amazigh origin with both parent from Tunisia. He is a midfielder who has played for clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City, and Sevilla. He is known for his technique, vision, and passing ability. He has also played for the French national team and won the World Cup in 2018.

Hakim Ziyech is a professional soccer player from Morocco. He is of Amazigh origin from eastern part of the Rif. He’s currently playing as an attacking midfielder for Chelsea Football Club and the Morocco national team. He is known for his technical skills and ability to score goals. The Atlas Lions winger reportedly donated all of his 2022 World Cup bonus earnings to the poor in his country following a historical run to the semifinals before falling to France 2-0.

Yacine Brahimi, also known as Yacine Nasreddine Brahimi, is a professional soccer player from Algeria. He is of Amazigh origin with both of his parents from Kabylie . Brahimi is known for his technical skills, speed and ability on the ball. He played for Porto since 2014 and has won several league titles, as well as the Europa League in 2011. He also played for Rennes in France and Granada in Spain. He is currently playing for Al-Rayyan in Qatar.

Ibrahim Afellay is a Dutch professional footballer of Amazigh descent from the Rif area. He played midfielder for PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Eredivisie. He has also played for clubs such as Barcelona and Schalke 04, and has earned over 50 caps for the Netherlands national team.

Youssef El-Arabi is a Moroccan professional footballer of Amazigh origin from southern Morocco. He is a forward who has played for clubs such as Olympiacos, Granada and Al-Duhail. He is known for his finishing and goal-scoring ability. He has also played for the Moroccan national team and scored several goals for them. He is currently playing for Olympiacos in Greece.

Munir El Haddadi is a professional footballer from Spain who plays as a forward for La Liga club Sevilla and the Morocco national team. He is of Amazigh heritage from the Rif area. The Rif region is northern Morocco is known for its strong Amazigh resistance for dignity and cultural identity. The Amazigh people have a rich history in North Africa and their culture has had a significant influence on the region. Munir El Haddadi is seen as a role model for the community.

These players, along with many others, have left a lasting impact on the world of football and continue to inspire future generations. Their contributions to society, culture, and politics should be celebrated and remembered.

Playing against fellow finalist Croatia in the group stage then overcoming Belgium, Spain, and now Portugal on their road to the semifinals, The Atlas Lions have been one of the game’s storylines

The only goal in the game was scored by Youssed En-Nesyri right before halftime while Morocco continued to defend its goal with a solid wall of players ready to curb the Portuguese attacks.

The Amazigh flag of the Amazigh people who represent most of Morocco being waived in Qatar.

Morocco will face the winner of England-France on Wednesday and has now become Africa’s first World Cup semifinals.

The Atlas Lions have already defeated European giants Belgium, Spain, and Portugal at this World Cup, as well as holding Croatia to a goalless tie in their first game.

After Spain missed three penalty attempts and went down 3-0 in the shootout, Paris Saint-Germain defender Hakimi scored with a Panenka penalty. Morocco also set the record by reaching their first quarterfinal, being the only African country to do so. 

For the first time and after defeating the 2010 world champion, Morocco will play in a World Cup quarterfinal. If Morocco defeats Portugal, the Atlas Lions would become the first African nation to reach the semifinals. 

Spain tried to score its way to a win over Morocco. It made and executed a significant number of passes. All of those passes, however, did not result in any goals. Spain was unable to score even after a 30-minute extra-time. Morocco, on the other hand, advanced to its first-ever World Cup quarterfinal eliminating Spain after its players missed all three of their penalties. The North African Amazigh team now has the opportunity to advance even further in this World Cup. They will not be overshadowed by their opponents in the following round, and they might yet go to the semifinal.

The North African team had only surrendered one goal in the tournament, and their defensive strategy proved key in defeating Luis Enrique’s team. Although Spain had a monopoly over ball ownership, Morocco didn’t look troubled by Spain’s seeming domination of the game. The teams’  failure to score throughout regular and extra time ensured the game proceeded to penalties where Morocco excelled.

Morocco and Spain’s long standing historical, geographical and political conflicts heightened the mood, but it was the Moroccan supporters’ spectacular display of color and noise that enabled their team to make the game so difficult for Spain. 

With yesterday’s win, Morocco has become now the fourth African nation to advance to the quarter final in the history of the FIFA World Cup, after Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana.

The prologue to this essay sets the tone for the ensuing study, demonstrating the very certain need to examine the close links between ancient Egyptian civilization and the Berber cultures of North Africa and the Sahara. The introduction indicates the need to begin this investigation with the archaeology of the early days of habitation on the west bank of the Nile, the western region of the Delta, that of the Fayum and of the oases, a northwest territorial area important to the development of all Egyptian civilization.

A first chapter examines the origins of these diverse settlements and their relationship with Libyan and North African groups. This chapter is followed by a study of the beliefs and customs of the Pillar peoples (‘Intui’) who worshipped their ancestors and had a very great influence on the totality of Egyptian civilization of all times. Ancestor worship as well as several other major aspects of their mythology such as astrolatry relate them to the Imazighen (Berbers) of North Africa.

The Sacred Sovereigns, or First Princes of Egypt, who preceded the first dynasties of kings, were Libyan Chiefs. They commanded the various groups of tribes known collectively as ‘Rekhy’; and instituted the various cults of primordial deities, most of which had their origins in North Africa, such as the Solar Ram, the great goddess of Sais Neith, the primordial God Amun, the great desert god & Her with the Mighty Arm”;, the goddess immensely worshipped over the centuries Hat-Hor, the Sacred Cow, and the Warrior Bull God Gurzil of the oases, worshipped by the Berbers of North Africa.

In the chapter on the God Tehuti, Time and the Stars, the creation of calendars according to cosmological data and the entire Egyptian astronomy are attributed to notions whose roots and parallels still existing in some Amazigh beliefs of North Africa are irrefutable. The
final chapter of this essay completes the funerary journey through the earthly geography and the stellar universe of a Du-at populated by Resplendent Ancestors, Blessed Beings or “AKHU’.

Helene has written numerous newspaper and magazine articles on a variety of subjects during her career as an activist anthropologist, four anthropological books on Berber (Amazigh) culture and filmed, edited and produced over fifty community service television programs on a variety of topics related to American Indian and Amazigh (Berber and Tuareg) culture, arts, and human right issues, through Amazigh Video Productions.