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English in the Expanding Circle of Morocco: Spread, uses, and functions by Bouchra Kachoub M.A., Ohio University, 2010 B.A., Juniata College, 2008 B.A., Hassan II University, 2006 Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Linguistics Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences © Bouchra Kachoub 2021 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY Spring 2021 Copyright in this work rests with the author. Please ensure that any reproduction or re-use is done in accordance with the relevant national copyright legislation. Declaration of Committee Name: Bouchra Kachoub Degree: Doctor of Philosophy Thesis title: English in the Expanding Circle of Morocco: Spread, uses, and functions Committee: Chair: Panayiotis Pappas Professor, Linguistics Suzanne K. Hilgendorf Supervisor Professor, Linguistics Dean Mellow Committee Member Associate Professor, Linguistics Elizabeth Martin Committee Member Professor, World Languages and Literatures California State University, San Bernardino Christian Guilbault Examiner Associate Professor, French Margie Berns External Examiner Professor, Linguistics Purdue University ii Abstract Research using Kachru’s (1984) World Englishes theoretical framework and Three Circles model has produced a wealth of knowledge about the spread and functions of English to speech communities around the world. However, there is a recognition that disproportionate attention has been accorded across these spheres. The most compelling argument outlining this gap in the literature was offered by Berns (2005) over a decade ago and was reiterated by Elyas and Mahboob (2020) just recently. Berns (2005: 85) concluded that while the bulk of academic research has focused on the use of English in Inner and Outer Circle contexts, the Expanding Circle remains mostly overlooked. Elyas and Mahboob (2020: 1), who co-edited a special journal issue on the North African and Middle East contexts, underscored that the topic of English in these regions ‘is largely under-studied and undertheorized.’ Following Berns’ remarks, numerous studies have focused on this underrepresented context. Nevertheless, despite their solid contributions, these investigations remain insufficient for constructing a comprehensive understanding of the distinct dynamics of the Expanding Circle. To contribute to the Expanding Circle literature, this exploratory, qualitative, macrosociolinguistic study employs Kachru’s (1984) World Englishes theoretical framework to investigate in greater depth the spread, functional range, and domains of English use in the multilingual country of Morocco. Specifically, this study initially provides an overview of the various languages used in Morocco, then outlines the history of its contact with the English language. It next explores English use in Moroccan media, examining in detail the language’s wide-ranging uses in broadcast, digital, print, and film media. This is followed by an in-depth examination of the linguistic landscape of the metropolitan city of Casablanca, with a focus on shop signs and outdoor advertisements. Whilst the users and uses of the English language are the major focus of analysis, additional attention is given to what such a spread means for the other four historically well-established languages of use within this Expanding Circle context: Arabic, French, Spanish, and the indigenous language Tmazight. A further aim of this study is to contribute new perspectives to the existing literature on the distinct dynamics of the Expanding Circle in general. iii Keywords: English; Morocco; World Englishes; Expanding Circle; media; shop signs; advertising; linguistic landscape iv Dedication To: My father, Belkassem Kachoub My mother, Houria Bouziane v Acknowledgements My deepest and sincere gratitude goes to my supervisor Professor Suzanne K. Hilgendorf for dedicating an incredible amount of her time and energy reading many drafts of this dissertation on English in Morocco. Under her outstanding supervision of my PhD journey, Professor Hilgendorf always welcomed my queries and was generous in sharing her knowledge and expertise. Her constant constructive feedback and enormous encouragement brought me essentially to the completion of this research, which I have enjoyed immensely. Not only did Professor Hilgendorf oversee my dissertation progress, but she also ensured I completed my graduate studies as a well- rounded scholar. She supported me in participating in top-tier international conferences and in submitting articles for publication in authoritative journals. I admire the fact that she was always considerate of my commitment to my young family as she allowed me much needed time to think and overcome bumps as they arose in my humble research path. I also admire her high expectations of my work, which eventually brought me to discover my intellectual potential. I am forever indebted to Professor Hilgendorf for her care, guidance, and for being such an exemplary role model. My gratitude also goes to my committee members, Professors Elizabeth Martin and Dean Mellow, who were diligent in providing meticulous feedback for earlier versions of this work. I feel fortunate to have benefited from Professor Martin’s extensive expertise on advertising and also from Professor Mellow’s insights on how to better articulate my arguments. Again, I am thankful to them for showing great interest in reading my work, for their continuous encouragement, and for their meaningful feedback. I also extend my thanks to my examiners, Professors Christian Guilbault and Margie Berns for sharing their thoughts and for helping me improve the quality of my research. Throughout my PhD journey, I was showered with endless support from family and friends. I particularly thank my friends Niamboue Bado, Zakaria Jouaibi, and Mustapha Kurfi for their support and for injecting me with generous doses of optimism every time I turned to them. I am also especially grateful for my friend Emma Mileva for the many long conversations we had and the support we shared with each other. My former student Rim Kadiri, now a social media influencer, walked me through the alleys of social media. Her input added much value to my discussion of the use of English in vi social media platforms. I would also like to acknowledge the impact Professor Abdelmajid Bouziane had on the foundation of my academic career. As soon as he learned of my enrollment in the English Studies program at Hassan II University, he did not wait a second to lend me what would be my first university textbooks. He was always of great help whenever I asked for it. I cannot also go without thanking his wife, Amina, who welcomed me in their home despite her being busy raising three kids who were close in age. My former professors all hold a special place in my heart, especially Professors Lahcen Chouali, Abdenasseur Bissbis, Mohamed Takenza, Alla Zareva, Deb Roney, Peter Githinji, and David Bell. Finally, my most sincere gratitude goes to my parents. I thank my mother, whom I also call my unofficial supervisor, for her support, encouragement and for checking on my research progress on a daily basis. In the same vein, I am indebted to my late father for instilling in me the love for education and the pursuit of knowledge. My siblings have also been amazing and supportive in all ways possible. I thank my eldest brother Ahmed, his wife Radia, their son Nizar, and daughter Ghita for their support and especially for my brother’s sense of humor even during difficult times. My sister Samira, her husband Rachid, and their son Saad have been nothing short of amazing in showing so much support, respect and unconditional love. Special thanks also go to my little brother, Mohammed, for being wonderful, joyful, and for being by my side during the whole time of my data collection. I thank him for driving me to different parts of the city of Casablanca and for also observing with me the linguistic landscape there. I cannot stress enough how much I love him. My immediate family, who has lived with me during the PhD journey, were incredible as well. My big thanks go to my husband Mustapha, my daughter Kenza, and my son Youssef, without whom this research would have been finished years earlier! I thank my husband, who encouraged me to do my PhD after our first year of marriage and supported me all along. At times when I felt I was making slow progress, he reassured me that I was going at the right pace. Although my kids kept me busy during the time of my writing, I thank them for being patient at times when I was determined to complete a task. Now, even my four-year-old Kenza can talk about her research of simple life matters that fascinate her. I am proud of her and how far we have gone together. vii Table of Contents Declaration of Committee ................................................................................................ ii Abstract .......................................................................................................................... iii Dedication ....................................................................................................................... v Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................ vi Table of Contents .......................................................................................................... viii List of Tables ................................................................................................................

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