Timsal n Tamazight
Volume 10, Numéro 1, Pages 91-106
2018-12-31
Language Attitudes Towards Teaching Tamazight Language In Tlemcen’s Primary Schools
Authors : Ghounane Nadia . Rabahi Hanane .
Abstract
The language profile of Algeria represents an extraordinary mosaic picture, characterised by the existence of panoply of languages and varieties namely: Modern Standard Arabic, French, which are generally used in formal settings while Algerian Arabic and Berber language with its regional variations are found in informal contexts. This linguistic diversity presents complex diglossic and multilingual situations. In turn, these linguistic situations have amplified the tension between speakers especially with the amalgamation of Tamazight in language teaching. To this vein, the current research paper is geared to deal with the question of language attitudes towards the inclusion of Tamazight in the Algerian educational system in general and teaching it in Tlemcen’s primary schools in particular. In other words, it addresses the implementation of the new language policy which requires teaching Tamazight to all children and the attitudes of both parents and teachers towards the new policy. In this sense, data was collected quantitatively and qualitatively through a questionnaire and an interview. To this end, the findings demonstrate that the majority of Tlemcen informants share negative attitudes towards teaching Tamazight in primary schools. It was also found that most informants declared that Tamazight represents a part of Algerian identity, although they were not motivated towards incorporating it in the new educational system.
Keywords
Algerian educational system, attitudes, language policy, Tamazight, Tlemcen speech community
Les articles similaires
Sabbah Lina
.
pages 47-58.
