The Amazigh People and Their Languages: A Deep-Rooted Heritage The Amazigh, also known as Berbers, have lived in North Africa, particularly in the Maghreb region, since the earliest recorded history. Before the Islamic conquests of the 8th century CE, they were the dominant ethnic group in the Saharan region. The name “Berber” comes from the Latin word “barbarous” (barbarian), a term imposed by outsiders. However, the Amazigh have had many names throughout history, including “Nomads.” Today, they refer to themselves as “Amazigh,” meaning “free humans” or “free men.” The Amazigh Language Family The Amazigh languages belong to the Afro-Asiatic language family and consist of 26 closely related dialects. They are