Arab World English Journal, December 2016 ASELS Annual Conference Proceedings, 2016 Mohammed V University of Rabat, Morocco Pp. 196-210
The Status of English in the Age of Globalization: Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane as a Case in Point
Rachid Agliz
Faculty of letters, Sultan Moulay Slimane University
Beni-Mellal, Morocco
Abstract:
The linguistic situation in Morocco is very complex. Moroccan population is diverse and people tend to speak many languages in different regions. Multilingualism is deeply rooted in Morocco and Moroccans are exposed to a host of languages in different social and economic contexts. Yet, not all the languages in Morocco enjoy the same amount of support. In spite of the fact that French is widely used in many political institutions and administrations, there is still room for other foreign languages like English which is gaining ground and ascendancy in the Moroccan complex linguistic repertoire. Hence, in the rapid age of globalization, nothing is impossible and the American system will invade Morocco in different domains. This paper is mainly intended to investigate students’ choice of different languages in Al Akhawayn University as well as their attitudes to English and other foreign languages. Most of the results in the study reflect the impact as well as the influence of globalization on the students’ choice of foreign languages.
Keywords: Al Akhawayn University, Globalization, Language Attitudes, Linguistic Repertoire, Multilingualism