Algeria is embarking on a transformative journey in its education system by prioritizing English as the dominant foreign language taught in schools. This shift, which aims to modernize and diversify linguistic education, comes at a time when the country is reassessing its historical ties and embracing a forward-looking approach to global communication. Ahmed Krim, a former English teacher, emphasizes the importance of this change, advocating for careful planning and resource allocation to ensure its success.
Ahmed Krim, who dedicated three decades to teaching English in Algeria’s middle schools, now witnesses a significant shift in the country’s linguistic landscape following years of French predominance. On July 25, Algeria’s Education Minister, Mohamed Seghir Saadaoui, announced that English will become the only foreign language taught in the third year of primary school for the academic year 2026-2027. This reform marks a historical transition in which French, Algeria’s longstanding second language, will be postponed to the fourth year, signifying an end to its dominance in the education system.
Starting next month, eight-year-olds across Algeria will become the first cohort to learn English before French, representing a pivotal step in President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s broader initiative to overhaul the country’s linguistic policies, which he first introduced in 2022. Already, faculties of medicine and science have begun transitioning from French to English, and various service providers, such as Air Algerie, are removing French language signage in favor of English and Arabic.
This linguistic reform arises in the context of escalating diplomatic tensions between Algeria and France, particularly following French President Emmanuel Macron’s 2024 endorsement of Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara. The Algerian government, which firmly supports the Sahrawi Polisario Front, found this position provocative, leading to the expulsion of French diplomats from Algeria and vice versa. As a result, the urgency to replace French with English has grown amidst these geopolitical undercurrents.
While the reform is encouraging, the implementation of the new language curriculum may require additional strategies. Experts like Krim advocate for a comprehensive reevaluation of the education system, emphasizing the necessity of specialized training centers for teachers and the need for passionate educators in the classroom. He recalls a time when dedicated institutes were established after independence to produce well-qualified teachers—a model that faded during an economic downturn.
Critics have pointed to the rapid nature of the transition from French to English, voicing concerns about the availability of qualified English teachers to facilitate this change. However, sources within the education ministry suggest that any potential shortages could be addressed through hiring contractors. Recent reports indicate that the government has successfully recruited approximately 15,000 English teachers for primary schools.
While many praise the government’s initiative, some experts, like Rafik Laceb from Mouloud Mammeri University, express cautious optimism regarding the effective teaching of university subjects in English. They highlight a concerning lack of proper assessment standards and sufficient instruction time for students in existing English programs, particularly in higher education.
Currently, the ability for children to learn foreign languages varies significantly between public and private schools. Many private institutions offer multilingual education from an early age, while state schools traditionally initiate foreign language instruction only in the third year. Djamel Merah, a father whose daughter attended private school, welcomes the government’s decision; he believes it will help bridge the opportunity gap for children receiving education in public schools.
An increased interest in English literature among young Algerians has also been notable, suggesting that the language’s popularity might be evolving organically. Krimo Taleb, a bookseller in Tizi Ouzou, observes that sales of English-language books, particularly among women, have surged, reflecting a societal shift towards multilingual fluency among youths.
Despite the significant push for English, French remains an influential language in Algeria, with approximately 15 million speakers accounting for nearly a third of the population. However, the broader trend suggests that countries once under French colonial rule, particularly in Africa, are rethinking their historical connections with the language. This reassessment aligns with observable shifts in language policy and national identity across the continent.
Krim firmly believes that with the right resources and transparent policies, Algeria’s linguistic goals are attainable. The targeted reforms in language education signal a promising future where Algerians can engage more fully in global conversations, reflecting the nation’s commitment to embracing change while honoring its unique cultural heritage.
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