Challenges and limits of teaching English as a foreign language for economic returns and employability in Algeria

Abstract

This study is driven by the fact that English is welcomed everywhere for economic purposes. Algeria, like many countries, has taken several measures towards improving the English language as part of broad economic development programs. However, Algeria’s investment in English has little impact on the country's economy and individuals’ potential for employment. Research to explore the reasons behind such problems and thus provide myriad suggestions is scarce. Therefore, our primary goal in this work is to provide insights into the challenges and the existing gaps associated with the provision of English language skills as a drive for Algeria’s economic advantages. This study uses a content analysis method that relies on local academic library resources and reports from foreign consultancies and organizations, which have been conducted to identify some common features pertaining English teaching and learning situation in Algeria. The findings constructed from our analysis revealed several gaps that thwart the teaching of English as a driving force for Algeria's economic advantages due to various reasons, detailed in the research. Keywords: Economy; English; English as a foreign language; employability.