The Jerba Berber language

The Jerba Berber language, also known as Tamazight of Djerba, Shilha of Djerba, or Djerbi, is a variety of the Berber language spoken primarily on Djerba Island in Tunisia. This language belongs to the Zenati group of Berber languages, specifically the eastern branch, and it is a significant part of the region’s cultural heritage. Historically, the language was widely spoken throughout the island, with particular concentrations in localities such as El May, Cedriane, Mahboubine, Sedouikech, Ajim, and Guellala.

The origins of the language can be traced back to the early Berber populations that inhabited the Maghreb region, and it shares many similarities with other Berber dialects found across Tunisia and Libya, such as those spoken in Zuwarah. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Tamazight of Djerba was well-established and spoken across the island. Linguists and orientalists of the time, such as Adolphe de Calassanti Motilynski and René Basset, gathered a wealth of data on the language, including folk tales and legends.

However, the Jerba Berber language has seen a significant decline over the years, primarily due to sociopolitical factors. French colonization in the late 19th century, followed by the spread of Arabic, contributed to the gradual shift away from Berber. The growing influence of French, especially in rural areas through commercial activities and education, and the use of Arabic as the language of religion and administration, led many Berber speakers to adopt these languages. As a result, Berber began to lose its status as the dominant language.

Despite the decline, some areas, particularly Guellala, have maintained a relatively strong presence of the language. However, in the broader context of Djerba Island and Tunisia, Tamazight of Djerba is considered endangered, with few young people actively speaking it. The language’s preservation faces challenges due to a lack of institutional support and its stigmatization as a minority language.