Language Dilemma in Algerian Higher Education Pre-University Schooling in Arabic and Medical Studies in French

Abstract

This paper attempts to show a language dilemma related to higher education in Algeria. The question tackles ‘baccalauréat’ holders’ choice of university courses: though basic knowledge is acquired in Standard Arabic, the official language of instruction in Algeria in high school diploma, a number of university streams are provided in French, only taught as a foreign language. Freshmen interested in medicine, for instance, are faced with learning difficulties if they do not master French. An investigation of a group of medical students, undertaken in Tlemcen, has revealed some of these issues, in particular the low academic achievement from the part of the students. The study also deals with their attitudes towards French, usually positive among those who have a good command of the language, but negative among others. We also touch upon the issue of language policy in the Algerian education system as some students have expressed the desire of pursuing medical studies in Arabic.