HIRAK and its Impact on Language Planning and Policy in Algeria

Since February 22nd when the protests started, Algerians have been protesting every Friday for the past 42 weeks even after Bouteflikäs resignation. What started as a protest against a presidential candidature has now evolved into a movement demanding regime change and a complete overhaul of the political system. Protestors have been chanting ¿Yetnahaw Gaä (They All Should Go) referring to the end of over 20 years of oppression.The strength of this hirak, also known as Revolution of Smiles, is that the protestors have learned the lessons of the Arab Spring. Millions of people, both men and women, who mostly young, are participating in the weekly marches, occupying public spaces and peacefully demanding the regime to change. This unorganized movement with no leader is seeking dramatic change through entirely peaceful means, preventing the influence of extremist groups, as what occured in Libya and Syria.