Independence & Modern Algeria
Malek Haddad
Intellectuals & Culture
Poets & Artists1927–1978Constantine
After independence he chose silence in French rather than continue writing in a language he saw as imposed.
Historical significance
He gave a sensitive voice to the linguistic dilemmas of his generation of Algerian writers.
Their story
Poet and novelist from Constantine, Malek Haddad wrote in French of his attachment to a country he could not yet fully address in Arabic, calling French his "exile".
Did you know?
After independence he chose silence in French rather than continue writing in a language he saw as imposed.