Linguistic diversity strengthens the community
Photo: Raymon Depardon
In 2021, French President Emmanuel Macron's criticism of what he referred to as "Algeria's political-military regime" may now have significant implications for Algeria. Recently, the North African country's Ministry of Education has warned more than 500 private schools against using the French curriculum and has threatened legal action in the event of non-compliance with this directive.
This decision arises in the context of the ongoing conflict between the two nations regarding France's colonial history in Algeria, which gained independence from France in 1962. Many French educators in the country are now in a state of distress.
The French language holds considerable importance in Algeria, serving as a key to studies and visas for France. Many individuals do not speak Arabic as they have exclusively followed the French educational system. It is reported that, in order to continue studying under the French curriculum, courses are now being organised in parents' homes or during times when no other lessons are taking place. Secretly, excerpts from French textbooks are being sent to mobile phones as a precautionary measure.
The English language has now been mandated within public institutions with the intention of replacing French. Certain government departments have also begun using Arabic for all official communications, distancing themselves from Macron's previous assertions that Algeria was not a nation prior to France's takeover in 1830.
The use of language as a tool is not unfamiliar to us in Norway either. It was not long ago that the Sami population was prohibited from using their language and compelled to learn Norwegian. Furthermore, contemporary Norwegian pedagogy, which has often instructed students with mother tongues other than Norwegian that they are only permitted to speak Norwegian at school, has raised questions in recent years regarding the use of language as a means of suppression.
While the disavowal of France's colonial legacy remains an essential aspect of Algeria's liberation, it is all too easy to overlook the complexities associated with completely abandoning the French curriculum. The legacy of colonialism has also conferred certain advantages within the country, such as the rights of Algerian women to divorce their spouses. This law was originally intended to integrate French legal precedents under the guise of granting Algerian women legal rights and freedoms. The language has also been employed as the official language for companies and public agencies since independence in 1962.
Consequently, this prohibition may be viewed as both ignorant and detrimental to the country's citizens, particularly the youth who wish to emigrate due to a lack of employment opportunities and challenging economic conditions. This is especially pertinent for parents who cannot afford to send their children abroad for education.
It is essential to apply pressure on the Algerian authorities to reconsider their stance before the country faces linguistic impoverishment and diminished prospects for a new life in other nations, particularly France. A multilingual nation can also be a self-governing nation. We have faced similar challenges in this area in Norway, and I firmly believe that our exposure to multiple languages—whether Norwegian, English, French, or Sami—enriches our society. We should commend former colonies for their strides towards independence while simultaneously preserving what is valuable and beneficial. It does not serve the people of Algeria to purge the country of all things French. Let us advocate for liberation and embrace linguistic diversity!