Colonial Impact on Algerian Art and Culture

Country Project 3
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Country Project 3
Introduction
Algerian culture and society were affected by 120 years of colonialism and the bitter struggle for independence. Algeria is a nation whose cultural continuity and identity was largely undermined by colonial rule. In the current society, Algerians are torn between traditions that no longer need their loyalty and modernism that is attractive. Yet, it has failed to satisfy their psychological and spiritual needs. However, certain groups like Tuaregs have managed to escape these conflicting pressures. French colonization had an enormous impact on various aspects of Algerian culture and art.
Part 1
Colonial impact on art and culture
Despite the growth of Latin and Arabic, in some cities, Berber was the major language used by Algerians since ancient times, even after French colonization. Elms (2019) notes that Arabic remained the official language of Algeria until 2002, when it was recognized as a national language. After colonization, schools were forced to use Arabic during learning and teaching. According to Vogl (2013), schools and tertiary education adopted Classical Arabic in all learning processes. However, the use of Arabic in higher education exposed the nation to international trends. The use of these modern languages resulted in international interaction, although it was limited some learners from accessing equal education opportunities.
Colonialism also left a significant impact on Algerian literature in terms of the link between Algerian writers and the French language. Since many Algerians learned French under colonial rule, most Algerian authors were torn between writing in Arabic and French after independence. After independence, most Algerians wanted to stop using the French language. Abdellatif Laab, a Moroccan poet, warned writers against using French as an instrument of culture or language of communication. Prominent Algerian writers stopped using French in writing but instead, they started using Berber or Arabic. However, others felt the French language was a positive impact on colonialism. For example, Kateb Yacine wrote a book called ‘war booty’ in French.
Even after colonization, Algeria has maintained the film industry lively. People were forced to endure pressure from the government and intimidation from Islamic extremists. After colonization, Algerians were able to produce better films than before. One of the first major post-colonial production was ‘the Battle of Algiers.’ Consequently, several films were produced by Merzark Allouache (Slyomovics, 2014). Like most North African nations, Algerian cuisine is influenced by French, Turkish, and Arab culinary traditions. Although western-style dishes like fast foods were common after colonization, traditional food products remain the best-liked in the nation.
After colonization, Algeria experienced dislocating clash between global mass culture and traditional culture. It is important to note that during this particular period and in the current society, Western popular music and Hollywood films have taken a lot of attention from young people at the expense of cultural and artistic expressions. Additionally, Islamic ex...