Eleanor Finch
The Algerian Constitution has undergone several revisions since the country's independence in 1962, with the most recent changes being made in 2020. The language(s) in which the constitution is written is a significant aspect of the document, reflecting the country's cultural identity and values. Since the 1963 Constitution, Arabic has been established as the official language of Algeria, and this was retained in the 1976 and subsequent versions. However, the recognition of other languages spoken in the country, such as Berber and French, has evolved over time, and this is reflected in the amendments made to the constitution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Official Language | Arabic |
| National Language | Arabic |
| National Languages | Arabic, Berber |
| Official Languages | Arabic, Berber |
| Religion of the State | Islam |
| Capital of the Republic | Algiers |
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What You'll Learn
Arabic is the national and official language
Arabic is deeply rooted in Algerian culture and history. The North African country has a rich linguistic landscape, with several regional and foreign languages also spoken throughout its territory. Algerian Arabic, also known as "Derja," is a unique dialect with distinct features that set it apart from written Arabic. It has a simplified vowel system, a significantly different vocabulary, and lacks the case endings found in written Arabic.
The Algerian Arabic dialect has local variations, such as Jijel Arabic, which is known for its unique pronunciation of certain letters and its abundant use of Berber loanwords. The dialects spoken in some ports also show influences from Andalusi Arabic, brought by refugees from al-Andalus. Algerian Arabic is part of the Maghrebi Arabic dialect continuum, sharing similarities with Moroccan and Tunisian Arabic along their respective borders.
In addition to Algerian Arabic, other dialects of Arabic are spoken in Algeria, such as Saharan Arabic in the Sahara region and Hassaniya Arabic spoken by the Sahrawi refugees at Tindouf. Historically, Jewish communities in Algeria also spoke unique dialects of Arabic, collectively known as Judeo-Arabic.
The Algerian government has made efforts to promote and enrich the use of Arabic. The Algerian Constitution establishes a High Council for the Arabic Language, tasked with promoting the language's affluence and encouraging its use in scientific and technological fields. These efforts reflect the country's commitment to preserving and advancing the Arabic language within its borders.
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Algerian Arabic is the most widely spoken dialect
The Algerian Constitution is written in Arabic, which is the national and official language of Algeria. However, the Algerian Arabic dialect, known as "Dardja" or "Derja", is the most widely spoken dialect in the country.
Algerian Arabic is considered a dialect of Arabic by both Algerians and foreigners, and it is the mother tongue of the majority of Algerians. It differs significantly from written Arabic, with a simplified vowel system, a changed vocabulary, and the absence of case endings. Algerian Arabic has several local variations, with Jijel Arabic being notable for its unique pronunciation of certain sounds and its influence from Berber loanwords. The dialects spoken in port cities also show influences from Andalusi Arabic brought by refugees from al-Andalus.
Algerian Arabic is part of the Maghrebi Arabic dialect continuum, which includes Moroccan Arabic and Tunisian Arabic. It is the dominant language in the north, in cities like Algiers, Constantine, and Oran near the Mediterranean coast. Approximately 60% of the total population, or 83% of Arabic speakers in Algeria, speak Algerian Arabic. This makes it the most widely spoken language in the country, with Berber languages being the second most common.
The Algerian Arabic dialect is not just a spoken language but also has a written form. However, it is not recognized as an official or national language, and Standard Arabic is used for formal writing and speech. Algerians are known for their linguistic abilities, often learning multiple languages and being able to imitate accents. Despite the dominance of Algerian Arabic, French is still widely used due to colonial influence, especially in education and business.
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Berber is a national and official language
Berber, or Tamazight, is a national and official language of Algeria. It is spoken in five major dialects in many parts of the territory, including in the Kabylie region, in the Awras, and in the Algerian Sahara desert.
Berber has been a spoken language in Algeria since ancient times, and it remained the majority language until well after the French invasion in 1830. Despite the presence and growth of Latin and Arabic in some urban areas, the language persisted. In 2002, Berber was recognised as a national language of Algeria, and in 2016, it was made an official language, alongside Arabic.
Arabic, specifically Algerian Arabic (or derja), is the most widely spoken language in the country, with 81% of Algerians speaking it. Algerian Arabic has several notable local variations, including Jijel Arabic, which is known for its pronunciation of qaf as kaf and its many Berber loanwords.
Algeria's 1963 constitution made Arabic the official language, and this was retained in the 1976 constitution. Neither of these early constitutions mentioned Berber. The Algerian government has historically held negative attitudes towards Berber, and it was only in 2002 that the language gained recognition as a national language.
Despite government efforts to remove French, it has remained the lingua franca of Algeria. French is still used in the media and education due to the country's colonial history.
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French is a lingua franca
The Algerian Constitution is written in Arabic, which is the official language of the country. The Algerian Arabic dialect is the most widely spoken language in Algeria, with about 81% of Algerians speaking it. The 1963 and 1976 constitutions of Algeria established Arabic as the official language.
Algeria has a complex linguistic history due to its colonial past. Before, during, and after the arrival of Phoenician settlers, Berber was the majority language of Algeria. However, with the French invasion in 1830, the country's linguistic landscape began to change. French became the language of the colonists, and they controlled the government and amassed wealth. Despite Algeria's independence from France in 1962, French continues to be a significant language in the country.
French is considered a lingua franca in Algeria, even though it does not have official status. The CIA World Factbook and the Permanent Committee on Geographical Names for British Official Use (PCGN) both assert that French is the lingua franca of the country. In 2008, it was estimated that 33% of Algerians, or 11.2 million people, could read and write in French. This makes Algeria the second-largest Francophone country in the world in terms of speakers.
The enduring presence of French in Algeria can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the country's long colonial history with France has left a lasting impact on its language usage. Additionally, government efforts to remove French have been largely unsuccessful. The PCGN notes that official attitudes towards French have been negative, but it has nevertheless persisted as a lingua franca.
Furthermore, French continues to be used in media and education in Algeria. Some newspapers publish content in French, and it remains a part of the educational curriculum due to the country's colonial history. This contributes to the widespread understanding and usage of French among the Algerian population.
In conclusion, while Arabic is the official language of Algeria as outlined in its constitution, French maintains a strong presence as a lingua franca. The colonial history, government policies, and the continued use of French in various sectors have all contributed to its enduring role in Algerian society.
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The Algerian constitution recognises the ethnic plurality of its people
The Algerian Constitution is written in Arabic, which is the national and official language of the country. The Constitution recognises the ethnic plurality of its people by acknowledging the Berber language of Tamazight as one of its national languages.
Algeria was originally home to the Berbers, a nation formed from the native populations of North Africa. However, the country has since been colonised by the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, and French. The Arabs introduced Islam to the region in the 8th century, and the 1996 Constitution makes multiple references to Algeria's Arab and Islamic heritage. It declares that Islam is the nation's religion and that Algeria is an integral part of the Great Maghreb Arab nation.
The Algerian Constitution further acknowledges the Berber population by establishing an Algerian academy for the Tamazight language under the authority of the President of the Republic. The academy is tasked with developing the Tamazight language to integrate it as an official language in the future. This recognition of the Berber language as a national language, alongside the official Arabic language, is a significant step towards recognising the ethnic plurality of Algeria's people.
The Algerian Constitution's recognition of the country's ethnic plurality is a reflection of the Algerian people's commitment to freedom, democracy, and national sovereignty. By acknowledging the Berber language and culture, the Constitution contributes to the preservation and promotion of the diverse heritage of Algeria.
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Frequently asked questions
The Algerian Constitution is written in Arabic.
The official languages of Algeria are Arabic and Berber.
Arabic is spoken by about 81% of Algerians.
French is the lingua franca of Algeria and is used in media and education, but it does not have official status.
