In the rugged High Atlas mountains of Morocco, a unique whistled language known as 'Assinsg' is being kept alive by shepherds like Hammou and his son Brahim. This ancient form of communication allows them to send messages up to 2.5 to 3 kilometers, a crucial skill in the mountainous terrain where sound travels farther than spoken words. The practice is learned from childhood and involves precisely whistling words to convey meaning. Similar whistled languages have been documented globally, with linguist Julien Meyer noting that over 90 languages worldwide have documented whistled versions.
However, the future of Assinsg is precarious, threatened by rural exodus and climate change. The village of Imzerri, where Hammou and Brahim live, lacks basic amenities, driving many families to migrate to urban areas. This migration risks disconnecting the whistled language from its pastoralist roots. Compounding these issues are severe droughts in Morocco, forcing shepherds to embark on long journeys in search of pasture for their livestock. These disruptions to traditional pastoral life, intrinsically linked to seasonal movements, are a direct consequence of a changing climate, exacerbating desertification due to Morocco's arid landscape and rising temperatures.
Despite these challenges, efforts are underway to preserve this cultural heritage. Researcher Fatima-Zahra Salih is documenting Assinsg for potential UNESCO recognition. Brahim Amraoui, a descendant of a family known for this tradition, leads an association dedicated to its preservation. His son, Mohamed, represents a hopeful sign as one of the few young individuals still practicing the language. Morocco has been actively preserving its cultural heritage, with 15 elements inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list as of 2024, demonstrating the nation's commitment to safeguarding its diverse traditions. The documentation and promotion of Assinsg are part of a broader movement to ensure such unique forms of human expression endure across generations.