Exploring the Potential Shift to English Language in the Algerian Higher Education: Initial Thoughts and Expectations

Abstract

Globalization and the growth of English as a lingua franca in the twenty-first century have had an impact on Algerian language education policy and has become an issue for Algerian society and decision-makers. The main aim of this research is to link English with Algerian higher education. More specifically, to explore the potential shift from French to English depicting the attitudes of the students and the teachers of the Faculty of Applied Sciences at Ibn Khaldoun university of Tiaret. The study also aims to shed some light on the current educational policy and to come up with some solutions and proposals for a successful language policy that meets the needs of both students and instructors. For this purpose, a questionnaire targeting 100 engineering students and an interview conducted with seven teachers were employed as study instruments to address this matter. The results revealed that a large percentage of the sample recognizes the importance of English and strongly believes that there should be a shift from French to English. On the other hand, the interviewed professors believe that learning applied sciences in English will be helpful for them and their students. They have also made some recommendations to Algerian policymakers and educators, to take into account the linguistic needs of higher education, and give English a more relevant status by shifting the medium of instruction from French to English.