Mourad Touak, a psychologist by training, has recently published a book accompanied by a CD on personal development in Tamazight. According to Touak, personal development is a popular discipline worldwide, and he believes it's essential to make it accessible in Tamazight. He notes that methods of personal development have been widely accepted globally, particularly in developed countries, and are used in various domains, including businesses, administrations, and professional settings.
Touak explains that personal development methods have been around for a long time in Western countries but are relatively new to underdeveloped or developing countries, including Algeria. He mentions that the popularity of these methods grew around the 2000s, with coaches like Ibrahim El Fikky, Tariq Souidan, and Rachid Amokrane becoming well-known. Touak emphasizes that these methods are now widely used and have become essential tools for individuals and companies to improve performance and manage time effectively.
Writing about personal development in Tamazight was not challenging for Touak, as the concepts used are common in everyday language and can be found in traditional Amazigh proverbs and sayings. He believes that Tamazight is capable of addressing various subjects with ease, contrary to popular perceptions. Touak's experience as a psychologist and his love for his native language motivated him to write the book, which he hopes will contribute to the development of personal growth in Algeria.
Touak addresses the issue of terminology, stating that the concepts used in personal development are widely understood and accessible. He cites examples of renowned experts in the field, such as Anthony Robbins, Sadhguru, and Martin Seligman, who use simple and relatable language. This accessibility, according to Touak, is a key factor in the growing popularity of personal development methods.
The Algerian society's interest in personal development has grown over the past decade, with various seminars, conferences, and workshops being organized across the country. Touak notes that both local and foreign coaches are now active in Algeria, indicating a growing demand for these services. He believes that his book can contribute to this growing interest and provide a valuable resource for those seeking personal growth.
Despite potential challenges in finding an audience for a book written in Tamazight, Touak remains optimistic. He acknowledges that readership may be limited due to the language's relatively recent introduction in schools and the smaller number of speakers. However, he believes that a well-written book will eventually find its audience and may even be translated into other languages. Touak cites the example of Napoleon Hill's books, which were written years ago but continue to be widely read and appreciated globally.
Touak is currently working on his third book, which is a revised and expanded version of his first work. The new book will be written in French and may be published in France. He has been in contact with French publishers and will make a decision soon. Touak expresses his satisfaction with the positive feedback he has received so far, particularly from students and teachers, and looks forward to continuing his work in personal development and writing.
Key points
- Mourad Touak publishes first book on personal development in Tamazight.
- Personal development methods are becoming increasingly popular in Algeria.
- Touak believes Tamazight is capable of addressing various subjects, including personal development.