After 29 years of research, Algerian author Abdelhafid Idres has published the Grand Dictionary of French-Tamazight, a comprehensive 1,600-page work edited by ENAG with the help of the HCA. The dictionary contains 65,715 words and expressions, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the Tamazight language. Idres dedicated the dictionary to the Amazigh people, a community he has a deep connection with.
The Grand Dictionary of French-Tamazight is not Idres' first work; he published a first edition in 2003. However, the new edition features significant additions, including many new words, illustrations, and corrections. Idres' journey to complete the dictionary was not without challenges, as he was hospitalized five times since 2003, sometimes for over a month. Despite these setbacks, Idres persevered, driven by his passion for the Tamazight language.
Idres' health has been impacted by his years of research, and he now faces difficulties with his vision, hearing, and mobility. Nevertheless, he remains committed to producing more works, including "The Fables of Slimane Azem". To achieve this, he has enlisted the help of a young student who shares his enthusiasm for reviving the works of Dda Slimane. The student will assist Idres in purifying the texts, replacing foreign words with those from Tamazight culture.
The goal of "The Fables of Slimane Azem" is to create a pedagogical work that can be accepted by the Ministry of National Education and studied by children in schools. To achieve this, the texts must be corrected and illustrated, and the student will play a crucial role in this process. Idres is optimistic that the project will soon be completed, with the correction phase nearing its end and the illustration phase about to begin.
Idres' work on the Grand Dictionary of French-Tamazight and "The Fables of Slimane Azem" demonstrates his dedication to preserving and promoting the Tamazight language and culture. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, and his work will likely have a lasting impact on the community. Idres' story serves as an inspiration to those who value language and culture.
The publication of the Grand Dictionary of French-Tamazight marks a significant milestone in Idres' career, and he is now focused on completing his next project. With the help of his student, Idres is confident that "The Fables of Slimane Azem" will soon be ready for publication. This new work will further cement Idres' legacy as a champion of the Tamazight language.
Idres' achievements are a testament to his perseverance and passion for his work. Despite the challenges he has faced, he remains committed to sharing his knowledge with others. As he looks to the future, Idres is likely to continue making significant contributions to the world of language and culture.
Key points
- The Grand Dictionary of French-Tamazight took 29 years to complete and features 65,715 words and expressions.
- Idres is working on finalizing "The Fables of Slimane Azem", a pedagogical work aimed at schools.
- Idres' work has been impacted by his health, but he remains dedicated to preserving and promoting the Tamazight language and culture.
