Language and Politics in Algeria

Since independence, Algerian authorities have used a number of ideological processes to gain political legitimacy. One of these processes is the language policy known as Arabization. The present article shows how this policy aims at providing the regime with political legtimacy, and serves as a means of social control (Arabization/Islamization). We argue that, far from bringing about reconciliation between various groups and between these and the authorities, Arabization has led to serious problems and major conflicts that have undermined both social cohesion and the authority of the regime.