As tensions with France continue, Algeria is accelerating its shift away from the French language in education by introducing English as the primary language of instruction in medical and scientific courses at universities.
On April 2, the Ministry of Higher Education directed all public universities to transition first-year medical and scientific programs entirely to English, beginning in the next academic year. This decision is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on French, a language that has historically symbolized France’s influence in Algeria even after independence.
The language shift aligns with Algeria’s political stance, as distancing itself from French has often coincided with diplomatic rifts between the two nations. The move follows a growing trend across Francophone Africa, where countries such as Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali recently withdrew from the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), a body traditionally used by France to maintain influence in its former colonies.
Algeria’s current dispute with France stems from President Emmanuel Macron’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara—a stance that angered Algiers, which backs the Polisario Front’s claims to the region. Additional diplomatic tensions arose over deportation policies and the arrest of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal.
Despite gaining independence in 1962, Algeria has maintained French as a dominant language in its institutions and higher education. While Arabic was reinstated as the national language, fluency in French remained a key factor for career advancement. However, authorities argue that expanding English will help modernize the education system and diminish the dominance of the Francophone elite.
Efforts to promote English have faced obstacles before. A similar initiative in the 1990s was abandoned due to opposition, and even a 2022 push to introduce English at an earlier stage in primary schools met resistance. The main challenge remains a shortage of qualified English instructors, leading some parents to question whether this transition will be effectively implemented.
Despite these hurdles, the government appears committed to moving forward. The Ministry of Higher Education has requested detailed plans for the transition from university deans by mid-April, with a strong focus on medical faculties.
Observers note that Algeria’s language policies often reflect the state of its relations with France—when ties are strong, French maintains its influence; when tensions rise, the country pivots toward English or Arabic.
As diplomatic negotiations between Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf and his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot continue, the language shift is already underway. In the cafés of Oran and across Algeria, young people are increasingly embracing English—not just as a global language, but as a symbol of a break from the post-colonial past.