Polyglossie und Mehrsprachigkeit in Algerien: Eine Herausforderung für die Zielsprache Deutsch

Abstract

Polyglossia and multilingualism in Algeria: A challenge for the target language English

The complex sociolinguistic profile of Algeria and the Maghreb states, characterized by multilingualism and polyglossia, has not found a 'research home' in the language-specific philologies involved (Arabic studies, Berber studies, Franco-Romance studies, ...). In multilingual and multicultural Algeria, polyglossy and multilingualism are a common tradition in everyday life. The language situation in this North African-Maghreb country is the result of historical facts. In everyday Algerian communication, depending on the situation, people switch flexibly and spontaneously from one language to another. It is often simply translated. The following languages are mostly used: Algerian, colloquial Arabic, various Berber languages, and French. In western Algeria, some Spanish dialect is often used among fishermen for historical and geographical reasons. Due to this language situation in Algeria, German learners are encouraged to compare the local languages used actively and the foreign languages they have already learned and to discuss language learning processes. Language and cultural mediation are closely related. For this intercultural reason, there is a need to include linguistic and cross-cultural reflection of the Algerian culture in class. The comparison of languages and cultures is constantly in the service of learning and the imparting of general knowledge about language as a systemic instrument.