Globalization, Language Planning, and the Future Prospect of English in Algeria

Abstract

The classification of Algeria as a Uni-modal or Multi-modal nation is dependent on the particular group involved. Yet, the language decisions are made on the basis of nationalism rather than nationism, and besides the educational objectives of the Algerian School, the curriculum as a whole, has been molded to inculcate and engender feelings of nationalism as a counter to ethnicity. Needless to say, in multilingual contexts, language policies (whether explicit or implicit) often reflect a power relationship and serve a particular ideology. It is to this end that the school is important as part of the overall policy, because it reinforces the values, attitudes, and policies promoted by the state. However, in the light of the globalization process and to fully participate in the economic, professional, scientific and technological arenas respectively, a good working knowledge of the English language imposes itself de facto. What the future prospect of English in Algeria bearing in mind that an excellent command of it is very likely to lead to technological advancement, economic development and commercial expansion. The answer to this question will form the general lay-out of the present article.