1 Introduction

The chapter introduces the sociolinguistic landscape in Algeria, which includes modern standard Arabic, French, Tamazight, and Algerian Arabic. It discusses the official and national language, as well as the use of French by elites. It also explores the nationalized and official status of the Amazigh language and the regional variants within it. The chapter highlights the multilingual nature of Algeria, which existed before French colonization, and the influences of various civilizations on Algerian dialectal Arabic.

2 The linguistic situation during French colonization

This chapter discusses the introduction of French to Algeria during the colonial period and its role in the conquest of the country. The French administration imposed policies for the Francization of education, administration, and daily practices, denying the right of Algerians to their own linguistic and cultural identity. The Arabic and Tamazight languages were considered foreign by the French, who proclaimed French as the only official language. Alfred Rambaud and the Duke of Aumale both emphasized the importance of using education as a means of ensuring the predominance of the French language over local languages.

3 The linguistic situation in post-independent Algeria

The linguistic situation in post-independent Algeria was characterized by an effort to restore Arabic to its pre-colonial status, marking the beginning of a movement towards Arabization. For authorities, the policy had both political and sociolinguistic implications and faced practical challenges, including a lack of Arabic-speaking teachers. The policy sought to establish linguistic homogeneity through Arabization, emphasizing the religious and political importance of Arabic and Islam in Algerian culture. Politics interwoven with language planning led to Arabic being established as the national and official language at the expense of French, although this policy has not led to the anticipated educational success. The imposition of Arabic as the language of instruction in most universities and schools only succeeded in fostering a deepening ambivalence toward French, Algeria's former colonizer. The Moroccan Language Policy sought to establish the national language as the formidable factor of homogeneity and unity, leading to the numerous aspects associated with language planning and its implementation. Nonetheless, the entwined relationship between language and politics remains a multifaceted struggle within the societal framework.

4 The linguistic situation in Algeria since the 2000s

This chapter discusses the linguistic situation in Algeria since the 2000s. It explains how the policy of progressive regression in the teaching of French has been somewhat tempered, with French being reintroduced into the education system. It also covers the opening of French language departments and institutes in major cities, as well as the challenges faced by Algerian students in higher education due to the use of French as the language of instruction. Additionally, it highlights the efforts to strengthen the skills of students in French through tailored training programs and the opening of master's degree programs for FLE/FOS teachers in Algerian universities.

5 Linguistic management after the popular movement of February 22, 2019

This chapter discusses the linguistic changes in Algeria after the popular movement of February 22, 2019, focusing on the shift towards favoring English over French in official communications and education. The former Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research expressed support for the use of English in universities and research, citing its importance in scientific publications, international trade, and tourism. Additionally, there is a growing interest among Algerian youth in Asian languages such as Japanese, Turkish, and standard Chinese due to cultural influences and the establishment of Chinese companies in Algeria.

6 Consequences of the unilingualism policy

Chapter 6 discusses the consequences of the unilingualism policy in Algeria, particularly in relation to the Amazigh community. It describes the historical events and uprisings, such as the Berber Spring and the Satchel Strike, that led to the recognition and formalization of the Amazigh language and culture. It also covers the violent riots and demonstrations in Kabylie, known as the Black Spring, and the subsequent officialization of the Amazigh language in 2016 through the draft revision of the Constitution. The chapter highlights the ongoing political and sociolinguistic strategies surrounding linguistic policies in Algeria and their impact on the Amazigh community.

7 Conclusion

This chapter discusses the rigid linguistic policy in Algeria, which is more focused on politico-historical and nationalist decisions rather than sociolinguistic or economic considerations. It emphasizes the lack of surveys and statistical studies on the attitudes of citizens towards language decisions. The success of a language plan depends on consensus between citizens and the government, and the French language is seen as both a means of modernization and a reminder of colonial domination. The chapter also suggests that Algeria may have missed the opportunity to build a new nation with a hybrid identity after independence.