Arabic-speaking Algerian in Tunisia


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

For thousands of years the whole of North Africa has been inhabited by Berber tribes, also known as the Imazighen, meaning "free people." During the seventh century, Arab armies stormed through this entire region, and for hundreds of years, there has been a blending of Arabic and Berber cultures and languages. The Arabic spoken in this region includes loan words from Berber languages. In sum, this region is much like a cultural "ecotone" where there is a blend of two different types of communities. To make matters even more complicated, there are Bedouin tribes who blend in with this mix, and there are various degrees of "Arabization." For this reason, the terms "Arab" and "Berber" need to be taken loosely.

There are Algerian Arabs in Algeria and Algerian Arabs in neighboring Tunisia, the latter being far fewer in number. It's very possible that whoever wanted to aid a church planting movement would have to deal with all of these complexities.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Algerian Arabs in Tunisia must learn a different, though similar, dialect of Arabic to communicate with the Tunisians. Throughout the Arabic-speaking world people communicate in Egyptian Arabic since that is the language of the media.

Algerians are often visitors, not permanent residents, in Tunisia. Many come for the more liberal lifestyle allowing for bars and nightclubs. The two countries have strong ties that date back to colonial days. Tunisia and Algeria have been known to help one another in times of need.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Algerian Arabs are almost entirely Sunni Muslims. The few Algerians who have accepted the salvation of Christ are almost all from the Berber tribes. A central part of the Algerian Arab's identity is in being Muslim, even though they are known to seek other spiritual answers when grappling with a practical need like illness.


What Are Their Needs?

Algerian Arabs in Tunisia need to accept the abundant life that only Jesus Christ can offer.


Prayer Points

Pray for a movement to Christ among Algerian Arabs everywhere.
Pray for them to seek and find answers in Christ.
Pray for Christ's ambassadors to go to Libya to seek and find the lost.
Ask God to give mission agencies improved strategies for reaching Algerian Arabs for Christ.


Scripture Prayers for the Algerian, Arabic-speaking in Tunisia.


References

https://globalvoices.org/2023/04/20/tunisias-dependence-on-its-algerian-brother-the-reign-of-the-counter-revolution-axis/
https://www.africanews.com/2022/07/15/tunisia-and-algeria-reopen-land-border-after-two-years-closure/


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Algerian, Arabic-speaking
People Name in Country Algerian, Arabic-speaking
Natural Name Arabic-speaking Algerian
Pronunciation al-JEER-ee-un
Alternate Names Arabized Berber; Ibidites; Moroccan Arab
Population this Country 297,000
Population all Countries 37,281,000
Total Countries 19
Indigenous No
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 6
PeopleID3 10379
ROP3 Code 100226
Country Tunisia
Region Africa, North and Middle East
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 33  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Country Tunisia
Region Africa, North and Middle East
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 33  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)

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Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.20 %)
0.28 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
97.22 %
Non-Religious
2.50 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Arabic, Algerian (297,000 speakers)
Language Code arq   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Arabic, Algerian (297,000 speakers)
Language Code arq   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Arabic, Algerian
Photo Source Basel2019 - Wikimedia  Creative Commons 
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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