Tamazight Inu: My Tamazight - Paperback

by Joanna Pettit-Almasude (Illustrator), Amar Almasude (Editor), Amar Almasude (Translator)

A children's book written in the language of Tamazight. TAMAZIGHT INU means MY TAMAZIGHT in English. This cute and highly illustrated book helps children learn the names of the human body parts in Tamazight (using Tifinagh script & Latin) as well as English. Parents can read the book to their children in either or both languages. This engaging book will facilitate Amazigh parents living in the United States and other English-speaking countries to teach their children their native language.

AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR BIOGRAPHY:
JoAnna Pettit-Almasude has had a passion for art since she began drawing on her family's living room walls at the age of 18 months of age. So, it was no surprise when she completed her Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts as well as her Master's Degree in Fine Arts from Ohio University. She also taught art at the university level for 23 years and her artwork has been exhibited in the USA and internationally for nearly 40 years.

JoAnna is the wife of Dr. Amar Almasude (a Rifian from Nador, Morocco) and a mother of three grown children. When the Almasude's children were young, she struggled to try to teach them a few words in Tamazight. JoAnna hopes that this and future children's books will help Amazigh families living in the USA teach their children their native language. She also hopes this book will encourage the Amazigh people of the Rif to read to their children using their own beautiful native language.

EDITOR & TRANSLATOR BIOGRAPHY:
Growing up in Morocco, Amar Almasude focused on languages and linguistic and social rights of the indigenous people of North Africa. In addition to his mother language, Tamazight, he learned Darija (Moroccan Colloquial), and studied Arabic, French, Spanish, and English. He also taught these languages and translated/interpreted them for several years.

After Amar's arrival to the United States, he had another opportunity to learn English while attending Pierce College, the Evergreen State College and Ohio University. The university environment provided Amar with the opportunity to continue his interest in linguistic and human rights of indigenous people in North Africa. When Amar received his first full time academic position at Francis Marion University, he supported students and faculty with their interests in international issues; played part in the International Club, the French Club, and the Spanish Club; contributed to the Arts International festival and the International Festival.

Amar has worked at several corporations and agencies (such as Inspirational Films, CYRACOM International, Medi-Trans Inc. (MTI), Language Unlimited, etc. ) and held various positions at several universities, including Ohio University, Francis Marion University, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Capella University, Walden University, Dhofar University (Oman), and Full Sail University and Grand Canyon University. Amar's main involvement has been with Doctoral Research as well as teaching courses and workshops of Educational Technology, Instructional Design, Interactive Design, Multimedia Development, Video/Television Production, Research. In addition, Amar has served as a consultant for various government and private agencies.