Towards the Arabisation of Algeria

Abstract

The Algerian linguistic case differs from the other Arabic-speaking nations’ situations in terms of the coexistence of a number of languages and varieties. Throughout history, Algeria has been colonised and visited by diverse people with divergent cultures, origins and tongues. In fact, after winning its independence in 1962, the authorities started immediately thinking about restoring their identity through the imposition of Arabic as the sole official and national language of the country and Islam as its only religion. Right after the implementation of this policy, various sides made a fuss and expressed disagreement, including the Francophones and the Berberophones. It is noteworthy that despite all the obstacles that the Arabophones have faced and in spite of language competition and the appearance of an international tongue like English in an era of globalization, Arabic remains an official language that one can find in interesting domains and sectors, viz. administrations and education as well.