Elements of National Identity in the Curriculum Content of Arabic Language Courses in Middle and High School in Algeria

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the role of educational content in Arabic language courses in supporting and reinforcing the pillars of national identity among middle and high school students, through various poetic and prose texts found in Algerian textbooks. A descriptive-analytical approach was adopted by analyzing the content of selected texts to extract elements of national identity.
The study concluded with the following findings : The educational content of the Arabic language curriculum paid clear attention to the pillars of national identity, with Islam emerging as a fundamental pillar upon which other elements are built. This was evident through the call to emulate the Prophet, peace be upon him, and to adhere to various moral values. National history, particularly the Algerian Revolution, also occupied a prominent place in the prescribed educational texts due to its role in instilling feelings of belonging and pride. Additionally, the study’s findings revealed a prominent presence of the concept of the homeland, as the texts included calls for love of and loyalty to the homeland, as well as highlighting the cultural dimension by introducing students to the achievements and heroic deeds of historical and intellectual figures, thereby affirming the role of educational curricula in preserving national identity among students.