Algeria’s schools put Shakespeare before Molière in break from France | Arts and Culture News
Algeria Announces Shift to English as Primary Foreign Language in Schools
In a significant educational reform, Algeria’s Education Minister Mohamed Seghir Saadaoui announced on July 25 that English will become the sole foreign language taught in the third year of primary school, beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year. This decision marks a notable shift from the long-standing dominance of French, which has persisted for decades in Algerian education.
The change will position English as the first foreign language for eight-year-old students, while French will be relegated to the fourth year of primary education. Ahmed Krim, a retired English teacher with 30 years of experience in Algerian middle schools, expressed cautious optimism about the reform but emphasized the need for careful planning and adequate resources to ensure its success.
“This is a very good decision,” Krim told Al Jazeera. “But it requires thinking, planning, and resources.”
This initiative is part of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s broader strategy for a linguistic overhaul in Algeria, initially outlined in 2022. The reform aims to adapt the education system to better reflect global realities, particularly as various faculties, including medicine and science, have begun transitioning from French to English as the primary language of instruction.
The transition away from French occurs amid heightened diplomatic tensions with France, particularly following French President Emmanuel Macron’s support for Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara in July 2024. Algeria, which backs the Sahrawi Polisario Front, views this endorsement as provocative, contributing to a series of diplomatic expulsions between the two nations.
As the government works to implement these reforms, experts suggest that a reevaluation of the entire education system might be necessary. Krim highlighted the importance of restoring specialized training centers for teachers and ensuring that those entering the teaching profession are committed to the role.
“The current model must be improved to include qualified educators who are passionate about teaching,” he stated, referencing the comprehensive training programs that existed in Algeria after independence.
Noureddine Bessadi, a journalist and analyst, noted that language policy changes in Algeria have often been intertwined with political motives since the country gained independence from French colonial rule in 1962. He pointed out that previous language reforms have been deeply rooted in ideological perspectives regarding identity and cultural unity.
The recent shift toward English has raised concerns about the readiness of the education system to adapt to this new model, particularly regarding the availability of qualified English teachers. While some critics argue that the transition is happening too quickly, others, including sources within the Ministry of Education, assert that there are sufficient resources available to implement the changes.
In February, the education ministry reportedly recruited around 15,000 English teachers for primary schools, aiming to facilitate the rollout of the new curriculum.
The broader implications of this shift are already visible in various sectors, with English becoming increasingly prominent in education and public life. Road signs are now featuring English alongside Arabic, and some utility bills have dropped French altogether.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Rafik Laceb, a lecturer in English at Mouloud Mammeri University in Tizi Ouzou, expressed modest optimism about the changes in primary education but caution concerning the implementation of English instruction at the university level. He noted issues with insufficient instructional time and inadequate assessments of students’ English proficiency.
In contrast, initiatives to teach multiple languages from a younger age may help bridge educational gaps between students in public and private schools. Djamel Merah, whose children experienced multilingual education in private schools, welcomed the government’s reforms, believing they help equalize opportunities for students across Algeria.
The growth of English-language literature also reflects a cultural shift. Krimo Taleb, a bookseller in Tizi Ouzou, reported increasing sales of English titles, particularly among younger readers. Authors such as Colleen Hoover, Ana Huang, and J.K. Rowling are popular, indicating a changing appetite for reading material.
While English is gaining prominence, French remains Algeria’s most influential foreign language, with approximately 15 million speakers in the country. Furthermore, no English-language newspapers are currently published in Algeria, and written English by Algerians is still developing.
As Algeria continues to navigate its linguistic landscape, Krim emphasizes the importance of adequate resources and transparency to fulfill the country’s aspirations for improved education and language proficiency.
