The French Media’s Reaction to Algeria’s latest language policy: A Dissatisfied Discourse with the Promotion of English Language Teaching

Abstract

Not only has the new language policy in Algeria caused controversy domestically, but it has also been hotly debated by the French themselves. The longest colonized country in Africa by France has officially began drifting away from its French linguistic legacy; a ground-breaking decision that has resented France. This papersheds light on the French media’s reaction on the implementation of English in Algerian primary and higher education. Using media content analysis, this research further analyses the French press’ discourse, which was sometimes characterized by bias and lack of pragmatism. Findings indicate that French media have highly politicized Algeria’s decision while neglecting the actual utilitarian aims that are beyond the degradation of the Algiers-Paris diplomatic relations.