Language Politics in Tunisia

Helal and Lo Bianco provide a powerful analysis of language ideologies underlying Tunisia’s policy struggles associated with the Arab Spring. Beyond its immediate context, this book also makes a major methodological contribution to the field of language policy analysis. It is a must read for scholars and serious students alike.

* Terrence G. Wiley, Professor Emeritus, Arizona State University and Past President, Center for Applied Linguistics, Washington, DC, USA *
This remarkably rich and fascinating study of language ideologies and their attendant ‘Asabiyyas in Tunisia impressively weaves together a wealth of multidisciplinary scholarship, detailed empirical analysis and original LPP model-building. Blending critique with hope, it interrogates and inspires, summoning us to place the study of language politics at the center of pluralist praxis and of reclaiming the political struggles for social justice and dignity. A landmark contribution! * Ahmed Kabel, Al Akhawayn University, Ifrane, Morocco *
In this dialogic book, Helal and Lo Bianco have come together to propose a 'Tunisian Language Compact' based on democratic deliberation, multiple perspectives, and social justice. Beyond the Tunisian case study, the Compact can provide a model for inclusive language policy and planning in societies around the globe riveted by inequality and conflict. * Ingrid Piller, Macquarie University, Australia *

The book is very valuable in terms of its holistic coverage of language politics in Tunisia and the reflections can inform other countries in similar circumstances. It is comprehensive and contextualised within Tunisia’s historical, social and political milieu.

* Ali Alsaawi, Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia, Language Policy (2026) 25:19 *

The authors provide a very detailed and relevant analysis of the ideological debates on language in Tunisia [...] It illustrates the rich potential of implementing a productive solution adapted to the country’s linguistic situation through the Tunisian Language Compact.

* Yousra Hamiham Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium, Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, May 2026 *

...the book represents a major contribution to the study of language policy and ideology in Tunisia. It constitutes a new reference point for scholars seeking to initiate or deepen research on the linguistic theme in Tunisia, as well as a valuable resource for policymakers and stakeholders wishing to design context-sensitive language policy measures. Finally, the volume enriches the broader debate on the need for innovative and interdisciplinary approaches in language policy research, offering both theoretical depth and empirical rigor.

* Giacomo Iazzetta, Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia, Italy, Quaderni di Studi Arabi, 2025 *

...a major contribution. This work is an inestimable study of the ideological debates on language, which is complemented not only by an in-depth knowledge of language policies in Tunisia, examined in the light of successive historical contexts, but also by the proposal of an active solution, which appears more than relevant for implementation in the Tunisian context. All of these aspects underline the book's success in advancing discussions on the sociolinguistic situation in Tunisia.

* Yousra Hamiham, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium, LINGUIST List 36.2374, 2025 *

...the analysis presented by Fethi Helal and Joseph Lo Bianco inLanguage Politics in Tunisia does full justice to the country’s global significance by richly documenting the specific details of national language debates in a way that makes them accessible, insightful, and applicable for global audiences. 

* Gerald Roche, La Trobe University, Australia, Journal of Language and Politi