2013年高中英语教学辅助素材：Libyas-Minority-Berbers-Renew-Equality-Demands（文本）.docVIP

YEFREN, Libya ?Libyas revolution has led to renewed demands from the countrys Berber minority for cultural and language rights and full integration into the Arab-majority country. Such demands have been heard before, but this time the local people believe their goals are being achieved. The Berber village of Yefren is remote, dry and dusty. It was also one of the cradles of last years Libyan uprising, claiming one of the first anti-regime demonstrations, and several of the revolutions martyrs. One symbol of the Berber peoples aspirations is their radio station, which was shuttered by the security forces of former dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Now, it is open again, with technicians in training for its first broadcasts in the Berber language, or what local people prefer to call the Amazigh language. One of the founders of the Libyan Amazigh Youth Assembly, Said Henshir, says Berbers, like all Libyans, live in freedom now. But he says they also have some demands for the newly elected government. We want the full rights of language and culture granted in the previously marginalized Amazigh areas without any restrictions whatsoever, said Henshir. We want to be treated as 100 percent Libyans, not as a minority, and not as if we were faking being Libyan. The Berbers are an ancient people who live across North Africa. Through the centuries, many of them have maintained their own language and identity, while also becoming part of the largely-Arab cultures of their home countries. Said Henshir says the Berbers dont want any special status in Libya, only the recognition that their bonds with other Libyans were sealed during the revolution. We are connected with the ties of blood and the blood that has been spilled, Henshir added. When Libyans were martyred during the Feb 17th Revolution Berber and non-Berber blood was mixed together. In the cave under a friends traditional Berber house, Henshir shares tea and homemade bread. His host, Bilgassem Ali Maadi, introduces himself in