Language Policy and Planning in Algeria: Case Study of Berber Language Planning

Abstract

This paper discusses the Berber language situation in Algeria in a language policy and planning context. It comprises two main parts. The first provides a general account of the linguistic profile of Algeria coupled with a historical context of the Berber language and Algerian Arabic. In order to develop a deeper understanding of the present issue, the second section is devoted to the Berber language planning, and the socio-political context of its recognition as the second official language alongside Arabic. In accordance with Hornberger’s (2006) Integrative Framework, the study provides a critical examination of the Berber language planning process, i.e., corpus and acquisition planning, and explores the challenges language planners are facing.