Investigating Prejudice towards Tamazight Language

Abstract

Due to the existence of many languages in Algeria, there has been a parallel increase in the amount of contact between members of different social groups. As a result of this social contact, different outcomes have been emerged. This research work will give insights concerning the prejudice phenomenon towards Tamazight within the Algerian society in general and in the department of English at Ibn Khaldoun University- Tiaret in particular. Its main concern is the presence of language prejudice that targets its negative impact on Berber /Amazigh learners, its reasons, and some given elucidations to remedy this issue. Thus, both quantitative and qualitative mixed research methods are adopted, in which there is an online questionnaire submitted to non-Berber/Amazigh MA1 students both specialities (linguistics & didactics) and an email interview addressed to Berbers of Master students of both levels and specialities. After the interpretation of the collected data, the main findings from both informants show that language / linguistic prejudice does exist in Tiaret and it has become prevalent in this community. The existence of such phenomenon is due to many reasons including; different origins, ethnicity, culture, judgment, etc. These outcomes have a negative impact on Berber students that lead them to psychological consequences such as; violence, loneliness, hate, conflict, and social discord, etc. To sum up, this investigation involves a list of suggestions that may help students to overcome or remedy the issue.