An Overview of Language Shift from French to English in Scientific Articles

The drastic language shift that Algeria has witnessed in recent years, notably towards English, has gained significant ground. This paper examines the evolving dynamics of scientific discourse translation in Algeria. Since gaining independence in 1962, Algeria has been closely associated with Francophone networks, with the French historically dominating scientific communication. However, in recent decades, English has gained predominance in scientific discourse, surpassing French. Through a comprehensive review of academic literature, this paper explores the historical context that has shaped Algeria’s linguistic landscape, leading to this significant transition. The study delves into concepts such as language shift, domain loss, terminology, and translation to understand their impact and relationship within multilingual research contexts. By examining these concepts, the paper seeks to illustrate how they have influenced the shift towards English in Algerian scientific communication. Additionally, the paper investigates the underlying motivations for the increased adoption of English as the primary language of scientific discourse among Algerian researchers and institutions. Key factors include the influence of international scientific norms, the availability of extensive English language resources, participation in global research collaborations, and the enhanced visibility that English provides in the global scientific arena. While this transition to English offers numerous opportunities for Algerian researchers, such as improved access to international research networks and increased publication potential, it also presents challenges. Linguistic and cultural barriers may hinder effective communication and collaboration, potentially impacting the quality of research and its dissemination. The paper concludes by analyzing the intricate ramifications of these translation trends and their implications for Algeria’s scientific research landscape. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing strategies to support researchers through this transition and ensuring their successful integration into the global scientific community.