Do Berbers have a written language?

The Berber languages and dialects have had a written tradition, on and off, for about 2,500 years, although the tradition has been frequently disrupted by cultural shifts and invasions. They were first written in the Libyco-Berber abjad, which is still used today by the Tuareg in the form of Tifinagh.

Why is there so many versions of the Berber language?

Their linguistic conversion began in the military, with the troops composed mostly of Berber soldiers led by Arab commanders. Eventually, Arabic spread beyond the army, yet many Berber speakers retained their indigenous languages, which are still spoken in interior Morocco and elsewhere in northwestern Africa.

How old is Tamazight?

3000 years
Tamazight has been a written language, on and off, for almost 3000 years; however, this tradition has been frequently disrupted by various invasions. It was first written in the Tifinagh alphabet, still used by the Tuareg; the oldest dated inscription is from about 200 BC.

Why was the Berber language suppressed in Libya?

The indigenous people of north Africa, known to others as Berbers and among themselves as Amazigh, were brutally suppressed under Gaddafi, who considered the teaching of their language and culture to be a form of imperialism in his Arab country.

Are all Libyans Berber?

Most Libyans, they say, are Berbers. In a country fed a steady diet of Arab nationalism for over four decades, the idea of rewriting Libya’s understanding of its own history and identity would seem almost impossible. Yet, less than a month after the country’s liberation, these groups are hard at work.

Are all Libyans Amazigh?

Though they make up just 5-10\% of Libya’s 6 million population, Amazigh predate the Arab settlers who brought Islam with them from the east. “Our entire culture here in Libya is Amazigh – our food, clothes, music, jewellery – it’s all traditionally Amazigh.