Language planning and policy attitude in the Algerian context

Abstract

Undisputedly, it is no secret that the globalization process has resulted in the spread of the English language as a lingua franca of the 21 century. The English language has progressively gained a relevant portion and has therefore occupied a prominent place across the globe in different fields including science, technology, trade, business, tourism, and mainly education. Pegged on this idea, the main aim guiding the present theoretical-based paper is to spotlight and provide a clear picture of globalization and its effect in shaping language policy in the Algerian setting mainly from the linguistic side. From the linguistic side, globalization has affected the local language situation in the Algerian context and foreign language policy is a new challenge for the Algerian society and decision-makers. From the pedagogical perspective, though it is not the primary medium of instruction in the Algerian elementary and secondary stages, it is seen as a compulsory linguistic tool that is vitally needed in higher education mainly to fulfill numerous utilitarian purposes.