Algeria’s shift to English is about more than just language

The shift from French to English reflects deeper struggles over postcolonial identity, global integration, and the politics of language

Originally published on Global Voices

Screenshot from video uploaded to YouTube by France 24 English, entitled ‘Sick of French: Algeria moves away from colonial past with increase in English at school.’ Fair use.

By Nourredine Bessadi

Algeria’s linguistic landscape is undergoing a subtle yet significant transformation. Traditionally a...