Language Use in Algeria

Language is one of the crucial elements that constitute society. The Algerian definition of this component has been conflicted about long time ago, especially after the colonial era, where the state needed to clarify for the world, and for its people who and what does it represent. After the independence of Algeria, Arabic gained attention. Political leaders, at that time, made it the official language in the constitution. It is still the official language of the country which is used in education, administrations, in courts, and other formal settings. Yet, what is noticed is that French, as a language, is still competing all along with Arabic. French is considered by some as the language of the elite, and the language of technological and scientific, and even social development. Whereas Arabic remains only a language that is taught in Zawiya, Quranic schools and used for poetry.