واقع اللغة العربية في الجزائر

Abstract EN

Algeria faces a critical reality embodied in a linguistic struggle among three parties: classical Arabic, colloquial Arabic and the French language.

This struggle is a remnant of the French colonization which has worked hard to fight the Arabic language, marginalize it and replace it with French.

In order to maintain their Arabic-Muslim identity, Algerians were forced to use slang Arabic.

Although the French colonization is over, this struggle continues.

The discussion around the reality of language in Algeria is confronted with a substantial problem related to the negligence of classical Arabic, the creeping of colloquial Arabic into the educational and cultural institutions and the media, in addition to the French language, which works to rival Arabic in the field of education (scientific and technical), and in some administrative transactions, and in daily communication among members of the educated class.

This research aims at shedding light on the manifestations of this struggle in public life and in the fields of education, the media, and administration.

It also seeks to expose the historical reasons for this struggle, the arguments of those who advocate the use of the colloquial Arabic and the dangers associated with such arguments.

In addition, this research presents the argument of those who advocate the use of classical Arabic as the official language, and the language that should prevail in the daily, official and educational communications.

The argument of those who support the use of French is also included.

The research concludes with the most important recommendations and suggestions to promote Arabic to take the lead in this country and to restore its prestigious position.