A Sociolinguistic Study of Language Policy in Algeria

Abstract

This dissertation describes the current language situation in Algeria while maintaining a historical perspective that is helpful in understanding how language-related changes have come about, and a prospective view which may illuminate future developments. Even though Algeria is an Arab country where Standard Arabic is the national official language, the current language situation is complex and dynamic. Over the last fifty years or so, and particularly since independence from France in 1962, different generations of Algerians have had different experiences with the languages used in the social and work environment, the educational system, government, and the media. Such experiences helped to shape different attitudes towards these languages. Language policy and language planning in Algeria have been both instrumental in shaping such experiences and attitudes and subject to their influence. Algeria is a pertinent example of language contact and planning between a former colonial language (French), a language of national identity (Standard Arabic) and native languages (Algerian Arabic and Berber). Our primarily objective in this work is to present the linguistic background of the country and offer an insight into the impact of past events on language policies and practices in post-independent Algeria. Arabisation was viewed as necessary for asserting the country’s Arabo-Islamic identity, since it aimed at replacing French, the colonial language, by Standard Arabic the language of Islam. Though such a decision seems to be legitimate and natural, sociolinguistic considerations should actually take priority over all other goals. Decision-making on language policy matters should be kept free from the pressures of ideologies, clan warfare and corporatist or religious interests.