English in Algeria: 16.08.2016
Algeria is a great country. But most Algerian people can’t speak English properly because the government wants them to learn the old colonial French which is ranked 17 in the world in 2016,so they have limited access to quality English. Well, consequently, this will hinder them from taking part and making their voice heard in a global world which uses English as the International language for communicating.
Compared to some African Countries, Algeria is far left behind in English speaking ability because French is imposed on Algerians and there are few if any English learning resources. our children will never learn English at primary schools because we are governed by a Francophile regime remotely controlled by the old colonial France who can’t imagine an Algeria that speaks English. Many years ago a minister of Education wanted to introduce English to Primary Schools, and parents were allowed to choose which language they want their children to learn in primary education English or French, the Francophile Lobby governing Algeria was shocked to see all parents choosing English and alarmed France which contacted the Algerian authorities at that time stating clearly that this minister had made a huge fault and must leave the government immediately and it was done without delay as France dictated, Well, this is a sad thing to tell but it’s the truth that all Algerians know.
Although the internet is the only resource to those who do not attend schools, some private English schools are trying their best to improve the teaching and learning of English but most of them are in the capital Algiers very far away and very expensive for people living in remote areas, also there is no Newspapers, no radios, no TV programs in English, at the same time the Algerian government is using everything like a TV channel called Algerian TV, 5 radio stations, and 12 newspapers to promote French but the Algerian people especially teenagers want to learn English not French.
As the world is becoming truly global, it is now absolutely important for Algerians to master English language.
It is, after all, the most widely spoken language worldwide. The fact that English is a global language is something even the die-hard nationalists in Algeria cannot argue with, so, if we aspire to be more proficient in English, we are only trying to be better citizens of the world. Whether you like it or not, the whole world uses English.
If you only learn a language as a subject in school, it’s not going to get you anywhere unless you use it. Unless we immerse ourselves in an environment where English is spoken, and unless we start reading and writing in English; the fluency will never be attained; the way forward is to have more subjects taught in English. I hope very much, in my capacity, to influence my students, to love English language as much as I do. I really hope that Algerian people will discover the beauty and utility of English and realize that french is ranked 12 in the world,I have a dream that one day The Algerian child will be able to learn English in the primary school.
Update : 2022
Today the Algerian government finally and after the removal of Bouteflika Gang by the Algerian people
the introduction of English language in the primary school became a reality in the so-called " New Algeria" but together with the imposed colonial French, the Algerian pupil is now the only pupil in the world who studies two foreign languages in the primary school together at the same time in addition to his native language Arabic and his local language in some regions !!!
when I wrote this article in 2016, I wish English had replaced french, but today unfortunately it not the case, that is why today I ask the following question:
If the Algerian pupil is learning English in the primary education because it is the language of the world, then why french is still imposed on him? the answer is easy and clear : It is the language of France that's why it will remain imposed on Algerians and will exist as the dominant language forever and ever as long as those who glorify France and its language are in power in Algeria.
Algeria is a great country. But most Algerian people can’t speak English properly because the government wants them to learn the old colonial French which is ranked 17 in the world in 2016,so they have limited access to quality English. Well, consequently, this will hinder them from taking part and making their voice heard in a global world which uses English as the International language for communicating.
Compared to some African Countries, Algeria is far left behind in English speaking ability because French is imposed on Algerians and there are few if any English learning resources. our children will never learn English at primary schools because we are governed by a Francophile regime remotely controlled by the old colonial France who can’t imagine an Algeria that speaks English. Many years ago a minister of Education wanted to introduce English to Primary Schools, and parents were allowed to choose which language they want their children to learn in primary education English or French, the Francophile Lobby governing Algeria was shocked to see all parents choosing English and alarmed France which contacted the Algerian authorities at that time stating clearly that this minister had made a huge fault and must leave the government immediately and it was done without delay as France dictated, Well, this is a sad thing to tell but it’s the truth that all Algerians know.
Although the internet is the only resource to those who do not attend schools, some private English schools are trying their best to improve the teaching and learning of English but most of them are in the capital Algiers very far away and very expensive for people living in remote areas, also there is no Newspapers, no radios, no TV programs in English, at the same time the Algerian government is using everything like a TV channel called Algerian TV, 5 radio stations, and 12 newspapers to promote French but the Algerian people especially teenagers want to learn English not French.
As the world is becoming truly global, it is now absolutely important for Algerians to master English language.
It is, after all, the most widely spoken language worldwide. The fact that English is a global language is something even the die-hard nationalists in Algeria cannot argue with, so, if we aspire to be more proficient in English, we are only trying to be better citizens of the world. Whether you like it or not, the whole world uses English.
If you only learn a language as a subject in school, it’s not going to get you anywhere unless you use it. Unless we immerse ourselves in an environment where English is spoken, and unless we start reading and writing in English; the fluency will never be attained; the way forward is to have more subjects taught in English. I hope very much, in my capacity, to influence my students, to love English language as much as I do. I really hope that Algerian people will discover the beauty and utility of English and realize that french is ranked 12 in the world,I have a dream that one day The Algerian child will be able to learn English in the primary school.
Update : 2022
Today the Algerian government finally and after the removal of Bouteflika Gang by the Algerian people
the introduction of English language in the primary school became a reality in the so-called " New Algeria" but together with the imposed colonial French, the Algerian pupil is now the only pupil in the world who studies two foreign languages in the primary school together at the same time in addition to his native language Arabic and his local language in some regions !!!
when I wrote this article in 2016, I wish English had replaced french, but today unfortunately it not the case, that is why today I ask the following question:
If the Algerian pupil is learning English in the primary education because it is the language of the world, then why french is still imposed on him? the answer is easy and clear : It is the language of France that's why it will remain imposed on Algerians and will exist as the dominant language forever and ever as long as those who glorify France and its language are in power in Algeria.