Academic Requirements and Language Attitudes among Students in Medical Sciences in Algeria

Abstract

Abstract: This study seeks to examine the language attitudes of Algerian students regarding the use of French as the language of instruction in scientific fields within Algeria. It aims to understand students' perspectives on French as a language of instruction in Medical sciences. It also investigates how language proficiency —and the pervasive use and growing dominance of French in these areas—influences students’ language use and attitudes. To achieve the objectives of this research, a questionnaire was administered to a sample of 100 participants. The findings show a prevalent use of Algerian Arabic (AA) compared to French and Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). The results also reveal that all participants demonstrated positive attitudes toward MSA while expressing negative attitudes toward French. The study also reveals some unexpected results, showing a strong preference for AA as a potential language of instruction for engaging with scientific knowledge and participating in scientific discourse. This highlights the urgent need to consider transitioning toward an English-based educational system, particularly in scientific disciplines. Furthermore, the findings suggest that despite the participants' high proficiency in using MSA as a medium of instruction, it is not the preferred language within the educational system for scientific fields. Ultimately, this context highlights the significant role that proficiency level plays in shaping students’ language preferences. Keywords: proficiency level, language use, attitudes, Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), French, Algerian Arabic, language of instruction.