A Sociolinguistic Analysis of Diglossic Switching in Algerian Classroom Settings: MSA/Colloquial Arabic Alternation in Primary, Middle and Secondary Levels

Abstract

In a diglossic situation, the standard variety is supposed to serve as a language of communication in formal settings, like education, while the colloquial forms areusedin relaxed settings. Being an Arabic-speaking country, Algeriafalls into the pattern of Arabic diglossia. Yet, observing language use in authentic situations does escape the rule. Any observer will agree that in formal settings, speakers switch codes; instead of using MSA solely, they tend to mix it with colloquial Arabic. In education, considering its three levels, primary, middle and secondary schools, the learners are supposed to stick to Modern Standard Arabic in class. However, diglossic switching is far from being a strange practice in class. In the fieldwork of the present research, reasons laying behind this linguistic phenomenon have been explored, mainly the pupils’ attitudes towards the available linguistic codes as well as the lack of fluency in MSA.