Les sociétés jbala et la nature

Abstract

This special issue, at the crossroads of ethnobotanical, linguistic and anthropological interdisciplinary approaches, reveals the modalities of interactions between men, nature and ‘otherness’ in the Jbala and the Rif regions, in Morocco. We observe great linguistic diversity, ancient and very resilient practices on nature, as well as exceptional agrobiodiversity. We suggest that the social organization in the Rif, as well as the diversity of dialects and languages, constitute stable identity elements of identity creating boundaries between the various Arabic and Berber-speaking social groups of various origins in the Rif and the Pre-Rif regions. Exchanges at the borders, in souks and through marriages, enhance linguistic richness as well as agrobiodiversity. The latter is also based on natural biodiversity and on historical exchanges with the Mediterranean area. The present issue also shows great proximity between the inhabitants of the Rif region and nature, including complex social relations with intangible beings. These hybrid collectives, the language dynamics, and the richness of techniques and of agrobiodiversity are now undergoing leveling processes linked to the globalization of trade.

Keywords

• Culture-Nature interactions
• ethnobotany and linguistics
• frontiers
• exchanges
• northern Morocco
• Rif