The Arabic language in the Algerian university : bet and current

Abstract

This article tackles the reality of the Arabic language and its position in the Algerian university, with a special emphasis on the efforts made to turn the Arabic language, which is the official national language, into a language of teaching, research and writing in all the scientific and humanitarian fields. This is mainly done without neglecting the cultural role teachers and administrators have, the importance of their relationships with the Arabic language, and by connecting this reality to psychological, historical, and cultural factors in addition to the extent to which teachers believe in the endeavor of making the Arabic language a pioneering language with a knowledge and moral sovereignty. It is obvious that the project’s success is directly related to scientific and financial capabilities, and is affected by political factors as well as formal decisions. However, we need to stress the importance of the psychological, cultural, and civilizational aspects in forming this idea, believing in it, and seeking to achieve it in the reality of university life, especially after its turn into a public bet around which all human energies: teachers, students, administration, and a sovereign decision rally to win. Hence, what is the bet of the Arabic language in the knowledge society? And how might the Arabic language become a learning tool in light of the language market and the ongoing linguistic conflict?