Algeria Languages

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Algeria

Languages

Description

The official languages of Algeria are Arabic and Tamazight (Berber),[2] as specified in its constitution since 1963 for the former and since 2016 for the latter.[3][4] Berber has been recognized as a "national language" by constitutional amendment since 8 May 2002. In February, 2016, a constitutional resolution was passed making Berber an official language alongside Arabic. Algerian Arabic and Berber are the native languages of over 99% of Algerians, with Algerian Arabic spoken by about 72% and Berber by 27.4%.[5] French, though it has no official status, is widely used in government, culture, media (newspapers) and education (from primary school), due to Algeria's colonial history. Kabyle, the most spoken Berber language in the country, is taught and partially co-official (with a few restrictions) in parts of Kabylie.

Word List(s)

For word list and help researching in Algerian records, see:

• Arabic Genealogical Word List

Language Aids and Dictionaries

• Writing Algerian Arabic
• Writing Tifinagh
• Writing Kabyle
• Where languages are used in the country, and if they are a written language