English in a Multilingual Algeria
Abstract
This exploratory study provides a sociolinguistic profile of English in Algeria. It begins with background of Algeria's multilingual environment. It then describes the tools used to create the profile, including a survey, content analysis of online spaces, and personal anecdotal evidence. Next, it identifies groups of Algerian English users and presents their characteristics. Interpersonal, instrumental, and creative functions of English in Algeria are also explored. Moreover, I delineate the history of English education, and report attitudes Algerian students have toward English in the Algerian multilingual context. Findings include the growing interpersonal function of English as exemplified by its use in online spaces. Attitudes reveal immense support for English and its use in higher education for access to science and technology. An overall picture of the state of English in Algeria is provided and future research could build on this profile to closely examine lexical borrowing and English use for online communication.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Berns, Purdue University.
Subject Area
English as a Second Language
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