Are Algerians Good at English ?

‘’Are you crazy ! » You would often overhear an Algerian teenager say to his friend. And you would smile at that. After all, it is motivating to know that Algerians are adopting the English language in their everyday life. Concerning social media, we have also set keen eyes on the usual use of English by Algerians, and we were not disappointed. In a world where knowing English is central to progressing forward and communicating with people beyond seas, Algerians, seemed to us to do just fine. However, the reality of this issue is far worse than we have imagined.

English Proficiency in Algeria :

Upon a thorough investigation of rank statistics about English proficiency in EFL countries, we have encountered shocking results. On the scale of 72 countries, Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden topped the list with strikingly excellent results. Algeria ranked #67, that is among the last ones, being preceded by Mongolia and others as having ‘’A Very Weak’’ English level. The score obtained in this test by the 950 000 Algerian contestants was fairly below average. Women, interestingly, performed slightly better than men in it. (Somehow women are always better. Another thing worth investigation.) It should be mentioned that this test was on educational aspect of English use, but it still gives a terrible omen about English in general.

English in Algerian Social Media :

There is a rising social activity in English in Algeria. We keep seeing numerous English social media groups and pages emerging everyday, whether they are concerned mainly with entertainment and fun or self-education, they should be still considered as good initiatives toward a better progress. In fact, English Youtube videos, educational images and writings by Algerians are rolling in every now and then, shouting, though with hoarse voices, for attention to self-improvement. Furthermore, we do notice a thirst to speak English by monolingual people, and social media, therefore, lends itself as the best tool to introduce English to them. It's because the more contact with the language, the more effective that language is acquired. But, for now, the English level and degree of usage in Algeria remains progressing at a very slow rate, thus it’s our responsibility to call for its use and betterment, be it in education or day-to-day life.

Algeria and English :

Being a country that is identified with noticeable language diversity, Algeria is then quite skillful at communicating using multiple languages. However, it can be observed that the English words have a significantly lower occurrence compared to other languages for the average person. To identify the core issue about this, one can almost automatically blame the educational system. But, even the average Algerian is to be blamed, for much support and motivation is needed, even from their part. So, let's spread the love for learning and self-expression, and years from now, so much more teenagers should be heard speaking English.

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