In Algeria, English on the forced march

Amid permanent tensions between Paris and Algiers, Moliere will be phased out in favor of English from the next academic year. Pan-Arab newspaper reports Asharq al-Awsad.

1 in a letter dated^R July and sent to all universities, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Higher Education asks to create presidents “Teaching Groups” And launch products “To adopt English as the medium of instruction”.

The aim is ambitious: to rapidly train 80% of university teachers so that they can deliver lessons in Shakespeare’s language, particularly in fields such as medicine and science. Pan-Arab adds daily Al-Quds al-Arabi.

In sum, if the higher education union supports this new orientation of the Algerian government, it asks the government to provide the means necessary for its actual implementation.

“A most commendable effort”

One thing is for sure, The French language recognizes the state daily expression, Algeria, which is not a member of the international organization of La Francophonie, uses French in all areas, despite efforts.“Arabization” And “Reclaiming Arab-Muslim Identity” carried out since the independence of the country.

However, the stated objective, Depending on the website Maghreb information, is “Strengthen the vision of the Algerian university and raise it in international rankings”.

“It is not a question of comparing such languages”, Lloyd Jeghlami, a lecturer in information and communication sciences at the University of Algiers, explains. “But we must admit today that the introduction of the English language in Algerian universities is a very commendable initiative, especially biotechnology, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, taught in English. That is why it is interesting for the country and for the Algerian student and teacher to adhere to the music of world discoveries.

“A Civilization Massacre”

An argument rejected by Boumédiene Sid Lakhdar, a retired teacher In a column published on the independent information site Morning of Algeria. He was introduced to English “A Civilization Massacre”.

“The Algerian government wants to multiply languages ​​when it is losing its national languages, and there is really nothing anymore. […] By wanting to build a multilingual nation, through the ideology and folly of a hypocritical nationalism, we are losing the languages ​​we historically had.

In 2022, Algeria began teaching English from primary school, following a decision by President Abdelmadjid Debon, hiring hundreds of new teachers.