The Perception of The Spread of The English Language in Algeria in the Educational System. Case Study of 3rd Year Scientific Students of Dr.BENZARDJEB Secondary School

Abstract

Nowadays English is significantly popular among students but not to such an extent to be used in social contexts, its use is however limited to classroom except for those students who are fond of this foreign language and master it with a high level of fluency. The purpose of this research is to highlight the status of English language in Algeria, and how it has been injected within the educational system. It aims also at investigating the future of English in Algeria. Accordingly, it examines the learners’ attitudes towards the English language use inside and outside the classroom. Besides, it examines the awareness of learners and teachers towards the linguistic situation in Algeria. Hence, it is hypothesized in this study that teachers as well as learners are aware that English is dominating the whole world. Moreover, learners have such a positive attitudes towards the English language that it would become the 1st foreign language and most prestigious than French, besides, it would be spread among the Algerian society outside schools. To achieve the research aims and to test the above hypotheses , the study used two tools one students’ questionnaire and teachers’ interview in order to investigate the target language learning abilities of students and the way they use it in their everyday life. The findings of the study reveal that both teachers and learners are aware of the global hegemony of English. They estimate that English would be the first foreign language in Algeria in all domains particularly the domain of education. Hence, they strongly support the idea that English should be taught starting from the primary level. However, learner’s test reveals that some of them find difficulties in learning different skills of the English language. The study suggests some recommendations concerning the promotion and spread of English in the Algerian society, besides the necessity of helping the learners to improve this significant foreign language.