Investigating the Linguistic And Cultural Challenges Facing Sub-Saharan Students in Algerian Universities A Case Sudy of Sub-Saharan Students of English at Biskra University and Batna University

Abstract

Abstract The present study explores the linguistic and cultural challenges that face Sub- Saharan students of English, from Mali, Niger, Chad, Zimbabwe and Zambia, studying in the English Division at the University of Biskra and the University of Batna 2. The purpose of this research work is to investigate the linguistic and the intercultural difficulties encountered by those students during their academic years. It used a mixed-method approach comprises quantitative and qualitative data. The collected data is represented in a questionnaire and an interview used to survey their viewpoints by administering them to Sub-Saharan students in order to find more information about their circumstances and experiences while studying in Algeria. Furthermore, in order to be accurate in our inquiry, we administrated students’ questionnaire to two universities in order to involve more participants in which we surveyed 17 sub-Saharan students. furthermore, we followed up the questionnaire by an interview distributed only for five students from both universities. The research results revealed different views about linguistic and intercultural difficulties that served our study which were in favor of the hypothesis. The obtained results from the analysis of both questionnaire and interview showed that most students found it difficult to integrate and accommodate at university in terms of language barriers and intercultural differences. Finally, the current study concluded with some recommendations and suggestions for decision makers and participants (government and administration) to overcome these difficulties that are faced by Sub-Saharan students at the English Department.