Kabyles and their language in France – about certain aspect of double alienation of a social group

Berbers, in majority Kabyles, constitute about 40% of the French population of Algerian origin. The French state, because of double conditioning (1. “republican values”, 2. postcolonial relations with Algeria) ignore in fact in various manners the Kabyle presence in the French territory: they ascribe them automatically “Arabian” and “Muslim” roots (unofficially, as to be interested in one’s national origin and religion is in contradiction with the indivisibility and secularity of the Republic).

Trampling cultural rights of Kabyles by Algeria reflects on the French policy at both the official and unofficial level. This policy is being blamed for participation in Arabization of French citizens of Kabyle origin. Although Kabyle traditional culture is an oral one, the more and more French Kabyles learn by their own choice also writing of their language. Realization of secondary school leaving examination from Berber languages (Tamazight) and preparation for it is being complicated not only in reason of disagreement in the matter of interpretation of constitution, but also in reason of what in politics (including the international ones) belong to the sphere of unofficial.

 

Berbers, in majority Kabyles, constitute about 40% of the French population of Algerian origin. The French state, because of double conditioning (1. “republican values”, 2. postcolonial relations with Algeria) ignore in fact in various manners the Kabyle presence in the French territory: they ascribe them automatically “Arabian” and “Muslim” roots (unofficially, as to be interested in one’s national origin and religion is in contradiction with the indivisibility and secularity of the Republic).

Trampling cultural rights of Kabyles by Algeria reflects on the French policy at both the official and unofficial level. This policy is being blamed for participation in Arabization of French citizens of Kabyle origin. Although Kabyle traditional culture is an oral one, the more and more French Kabyles learn by their own choice also writing of their language. Realization of secondary school leaving examination from Berber languages (Tamazight) and preparation for it is being complicated not only in reason of disagreement in the matter of interpretation of constitution, but also in reason of what in politics (including the international ones) belong to the sphere of unofficial.