The international symposium "Amazige: historia, memoria e indentidad" (Amazigh: history, memory, and identity), held in Gáldar (Gran Canaria), was a resounding success, exceeding initial expectations. The online event drew significant participation, with thousands of viewers tuning in to learn more about the Amazigh language and its rich cultural heritage.
The Amazigh language, also known as Berber, boasts a fascinating history and is spoken by approximately 40 million people across North Africa and beyond. It encompasses a diverse range of dialects, reflecting the varied cultures and ethnicities of the Amazigh people. The language's presence in the Canary Islands is a testament to its historical reach, arriving with the first waves of colonization from North Africa. The symposium provided a platform to explore the language's evolution, its current status, and its enduring importance in the face of linguistic and cultural shifts.
The symposium brought together academics and researchers from various countries, including France, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Spain. The event's focus was on the Amazigh language itself, delving into its linguistic structures, its historical context, and its role in shaping Amazigh identity. The scientific director, Dr. Jorge Onrubia Pintado, emphasized the high caliber of the presentations and the symposium's contribution to the field of Amazigh studies.