EVOLUTION OF LANGUAGE POLICY IN THE ALGERIAN EDUCATION SYSTEM AND MODERN INITIATIVES OF RUSSIA

Shakirova L. R.

The article explores the evolution of language policy in the education system of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria (PDR Algeria) from the colonial period to modern Russian initiatives. The author analyzes historical stages: from French colonization, which dismantled traditional education and imposed secular schools dominated by the French language, to postcolonial reforms aimed at Arabization and Algerianization. After gaining independence in 1962, a key task became restoring cultural sovereignty by transitioning education to Arabic and training national professionals. Special attention is paid to the role of the USSR in developing Algerian education: thousands of students studied at Soviet universities, and technical institutes were established, fostering the formation of a professional elite. However, the collapse of the USSR led to a decline in cooperation. Today, Russia revitalizes collaboration through projects like "Open Education Centers" and "Russian Teacher Abroad," aimed at promoting the Russian language and culture. The author emphasizes that Russian has become a tool of "soft power" in the context of geopolitical competition, countering the dominance of French and English. Despite challenges, digitalization and academic mobility strengthen the position of Russian in Algeria. The article relies on archival data, statistics, and legislative analysis, demonstrating how language policy reflects the balance between national identity and external influences.

Keywords:language policy, education system, Algeria, Arabization, cooperation, Russian language, international education