"I don't feel guilty about expressing myself in French; nor do I feel that I am continuing the work of the colonizers"

This quote by Tahar Ben Jelloun talks to the idea of reclaiming language and culture. He is revealing that he does not feel guilty for speaking French, a language that was troubled him by colonizers. He is likewise asserting that he is not continuing the work of the colonizers by speaking French. Rather, he is reclaiming the language and using it to reveal himself in such a way that is meaningful to him. This quote talks to the idea of reclaiming language and culture, and how it can be used to empower people and neighborhoods. It is a reminder that language is a powerful tool, and that it can be utilized to reclaim and commemorate one's identity. By speaking French, Ben Jelloun is reclaiming the language and using it to reveal himself in a manner that is meaningful to him. He is asserting his right to recover language and culture, and to utilize it to empower himself and his community.