English begins in primary school

Sixty years after the end of colonialism, deeply French-rooted Algeria introduced English in primary school, an approach praised by critics for its Molière influence but condemned by others for its hasty implementation.

In Algeria, the language issue continues to be a topic of debate. While there is consensus on the official status of Arabic, the place of Tamazight (Berber), which became an official language in 2016, and French, the language of scientific education and business inherited from the former colonial power, raises controversy. .

Children who returned to school on September 21st now start learning English from year 3 of primary school, already like French, until now they don’t start it until college. “This result constitutes an evolution, but it must be well prepared for its introduction in teaching”, reacts to AFP Farouk Lazizi, a father of two students from a primary school in Algiers. The decision was taken by President Abdelmadjid Debon in the Council of Ministers on June 19. “French spoils the war but English is the international language”He explained at the end of July.

Execution in record time

Over the summer, the Ministry of Education was in a race against time to implement the President’s directives. Within two months, 5,000 contract teachers were hired and given express training. The textbook was produced and distributed to schools in record time. “There is reason to wonder about the success of this practice as we rush to meet the necessary conditions.”Messaoud Boudiba, a spokesman for Cnapeste, the sector’s main union, expressed regret.

Linguist Abdarsagh Dourari condemns the use of translators to compensate for teacher shortages. “Appealing to the interpreter because they are not trained to teach is not the best way to teach the language”Before adding he mentions: “If you don’t have enough skilled teachers, it’s better not to start right away”.

60,000 people applied for teaching jobs. The Ministry should prepare the license in English or in translation. “Teaching four languages ​​(Arabic, Berber, French and English) from primary school creates confusion in the mind” Children, educator and former English teacher Ahmed Tessa says.

On the other hand, those who wish to complete their education in French are satisfied. “We welcome this belated decision.”Sadek Dziri, head of another influential trade union, Unpef, is happy to argue “English as the Language of Science and Technology”. Abdelhamid Abed, professor of English at Algiers College, also welcomes Abdelmadjid Debon’s decision. “The day has come for the French”. “We have to keep up with technological development. This question must be looked at from a practical point of view, not from the point of view of competition between French and English., he believes. Algeria can “Abandon French, the language of the colonists, his teaching did not bear good fruit”Adds a parent.

French, “spoils of war”?

For decades, conservative and secular circles have waged a fierce battle over the place of the French in education in Algeria. The introduction of English in primary school revived the debate, with some seeing it as the authorities’ desire to replace French with the language of Shakespeare. “The President was clear. He called it “spoils of war”. This means that Algeria benefits from this language in its institutional and socio-economic life.Ahmed Tessa retaliates. “Anti-French circles were taken aback by this claim. They believed that the French would be removed from the primary school. They dreamed of its disappearance.He is analyzing.

For linguist Abdarsagh Dourari, “In the case of Algeria it is pointless and very difficult to change one language to another”Because of the environment “Cultural, linguistic, historical but also geographical”. “We have more than 8 million Algerians living in France, mixed families coming and going. Most tourist contacts are first made with France, not with the UK.He pointed out.

See more – French Education Minister Bob Ndiaye opens a bilingual school in Harlem