RETHINKING THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AS A COMMON GOOD IN THE Maghreb

Abstract

Gathering together as teachers, students, and educationists is always a good opportunity to raise issues and questions of common interest to generate debate and discussion. This is how we learn to listen to each other, to welcome others’ views and opinions, and to question and rethink our own perceptions, conceptions and beliefs. In this paper, we would like to suggest ways to rethink the position and the status of the English language in the Maghreb. Our presentation will focus on the following main aspects: $1· Rethinking English as a common good in the Maghreb, $1· Intercultural awareness and English language, $1· English for specific purposes and multilingualism, and $1· Globalization, social mobility and English. The implementation of English as a common good in Maghrebi countries calls for a re-thinking of the present language policy to target clear objectives and to use English to achieve them. We believe we have to move beyond the classical use of English in fields like: scientific research, industry and business, tourism and diplomacy, and to think of English as a means to prepare Maghrebi students to become global citizens. The generalization of an open market economy in a rapidly globalizing world imposes on our students new needs and expectations. Indeed, they will have to equate with job opportunities not only in the Maghreb but elsewhere as well. A common policy for the teaching of English in the Maghreb will certainly prove successful in our educational systems, in cross world exchanges and in social mobility. Perhaps should we work together towards common curricula, common degrees, and a common educational system to meet the expectations and the requirements of the global world. English as a global language in a common Maghrebi educational system is a challenging perspective to promote cultural and intercultural awareness in a multilingual community. Undoubtedly to remain sustainable, an efficient Maghrebi educational system will certainly need substantial financial support and political will.