Tamazight an official language in Algeria : a stop or a start to conflicts

Abstract EN

This paper aims at predicting the future of the language policy in Algeria by defining the factual vis-à-vis the official status of Tamazight, after the last constitutional amendment.

this is a small attempt to reveal the authentic use of Tamazight and sketch out the origins of the Berber crisis in the country.

the most relevant concepts are first examined theoretically and an overview of the Algerian linguistic situation is then provided.

historical and official documents related, to some extent, to the officialisation of Tamazight are surveyed here.

finally, some dimensions of this shift in the Algerian language policy are described to know whether such a decision is the right choice that might put an end to the language conflict, or is a step for new demands.