la « néo-salafisation » de la langue arabe dans la société
If anybody wants to tackle the language issue in Algeria since the independence, then the French language cannot be left out. It, too, needs to be a part of the discussion as it is a major part of the Algerian linguistic landscape. I would, matter-of-factly, argue that Algeria's business language in all the successive governments has been the French language. And as a business language, French still reigns supreme in Algeria nowadays. That's the groundtruth.
Let me cut to the chase with a few examples:
Sonatro, Sonacome, Sonelek, Sonatrach, Sonelgaz, Sona/Sone-whatever came into being during the 60's and 70's when the business language was predominantly the French language, and not much was Arabified then. Those companies operated/operate in French. It would be hard to argue those companies were or are success stories that one can take pride in, or model after. Last I checked, none of them is publicly traded in London or New York.
And who would buy electricity or natural gas from Sonelgaz if they had a choice? Those companies, in other impolite words, are miserable failures by any stretch.
Air Algerie, the jewel of all flight companies in Africa. Last time I flew with Air Algerie was never. Next time I will fly with Air Algerie is never. Ever. (It feels good when one can fight with their wallet.) And I assume many fellow Algerians would do as I if they had a choice. The business language within Air Algerie is French, like it has been since day one.
Ditto for the DZ banks and the hospitals.
What is to be blamed here? Who is at fault? Should we blame the French language? The French culture? Or Algerians who are inherently dolts and don't know how to build and run businesses? (Hint: None of the above.)
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