Algeria: Government pushes for more English in universities

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Pushing out French, and making English a priority...whilst keeping the use of Arabic.That's the grand plan dreamt up by Algeria's Higher Education Minister He wants to increase the use of English in correspondence and publications in universities and scientific research...to help Algeria's students open more doors in today's world. Tayeb Bouzid, Minister of Higher Education"For the time being, we're just talking about scientific publications. But these documents aren't enough and we have to go further and cover all areas of scientific research. If we don't study in English, there can be no future"3 weeks ago, the minister launched an online opinion poll - with the final results due to be published next month.Early results suggest that 94 percent of the students surveyed prefer English to French. Teachers say it would be a positive step forward, but one that will need to be structured.Meriem Djennadi, English Teacher"It's a good decision but it needs to be properly organised. Thing's won't change overnight The teaching of English should begin in primary schools. This will then help students when they reach university age"This decision comes amid ongoing anti-government protests.Several observors say the minister's reform is an attack on the long held use of the French language for political gain

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