Mehrsprachigkeit in Algerien, zwischen dem Proklamierten und dem Erlebten

Abstract

Multilingualism in Algeria between the proclaimed and the experienced

In the Maghreb, the term Arabization is synonymous to the restoration of the Arabic language. Why? The mother tongue of the Algerian population is Arabic or one of the Berber languages, depending on the region. As non-written languages, mother tongues come in numerous varieties, sometimes referred to as dialects. Before colonization, the only written language was what is known as classical or written Arabic, introduced along with Islam in the seventh century. Later, spoken and written French was forced to become the official language of the country. In this paper, we will discuss the coexistence of these varieties within the Algerian context between what is proclaimed and reality.