Exploring a country means learning about the language. Because of the varied historical influences on the people of Morocco, there is a large variety of languages spoken throughout the country. Morocco, situated at the crossroads of Africa and Europe, is a nation with a rich linguistic tapestry. Its linguistic diversity is a testament to its complex history, cultural heritage, and the influence of various civilizations that have shaped the country over the centuries. In order to help you in your pursuit to communicate better, we have provided a list of these languages. Communicating to some degree in one of the nine living languages still spoken in Morocco can greatly enhance your experiences in the country. When Moroccans note your attempts to communicate, they often treat you quite differently and become much more friendly and helpful.
Fortunately for us, most Moroccans are capable of speaking more than just one of their native languages. At least half of the country’s population is capable of speaking French and many of those involved in the tourism industry are capable of speaking some English and a few other foreign languages as well. This means you should be able to get by in most parts of the country quite easily without even trying very hard. But if you really want to open doors or have a less frustrating adventure, you should really try to speak a little Arabic or French.
In Morocco, where languages intermingle to form a linguistic tapestry, effective communication is the key to unlocking the country's vast cultural and economic potential. As Morocco continues to thrive as a dynamic cultural and economic hub, language translation services play a pivotal role in connecting businesses, organizations, and individuals with the diverse communities that call Morocco home.
The official languages of Morocco are Modern Standard Arabic and Standard Moroccan Berber. Arabic, along with Berber, is one of Morocco's two official languages, The official Language of Morocco is Arabic & Spoken by Most Moroccans. Second to Arabic is Berber (Amazigh) and spoken by over 50% of Morocco's Population. Moroccan Arabic (known as Darija) is by far the primary spoken vernacular and lingua franca, whereas Berber languages serve as vernaculars for significant portions of the country. The languages of prestige in Morocco are Arabic in its Classical and Modern Standard forms and sometimes French, the latter of which serves as a second language for approximately 33% of Moroccans.
Arabic, on the other hand, has been perceived as a prestigious language in Morocco for over a millennium.
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Arabic is one of the most widely spoken languages in Morocco, but a number of regional and foreign languages are also spoken. The below table presents statistical figures of speakers, based on the 2014 population census. This table includes not only native speakers of Arabic, but also people who speak Arabic as a second or third language.
The state of Morocco still sees Arabic (MSA) as its national language, but acknowledges that not all Moroccans are Arabic speakers and that Arabization did not succeed in the area of science and technology.
In recent decades, the spread of television and radio has increased Moroccans exposure to Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), adapted from standard written Arabic.
The country shows a marked difference in urban and rural dialects. This is due to the history of settlement. traditionally, Arabs established centers of power in only a few cities and ports in the region, with the effect that the other areas remained Berber-speaking. Moroccans learn Standard Arabic as a language. It is generally not spoken at home or on the streets.
| Language | Speakers (2014 Census) |
|---|---|
| Arabic (Darija) | About 85% of the population |
| Berber Languages | Around 6 million speakers |
| Hassānīya | About 0.8% of the population |
| French | Approximately 33% as a second language |
Moroccan Arabic (Darija): A Unique Dialect
Although Arabic is a language spoken by hundreds of millions of people in North Africa, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula, the Arabic spoken in Morocco, called darija, is different than in other Arabic speaking countries. The so called Darija dialect of Morocco is quite different from its Middle Eastern counterparts but in general understandable to each other, it’s estimated that Darija shares 85%-90% of its vocabulary with Modern Standard Arabic.
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The different dialects of spoken Arabic can best be compared to the range of dialects in the Chinese language. Pronunciations on words vary greatly as well. However, written Arabic is standard and the same throughout the world because it is important that the Qur'an, written in Arabic, be understood by all Arabic speakers.
While Darija is technically a dialect of Arabic, it is distinct enough to be considered a native language of Morocco. Darija is characterized by its use of colloquial expressions, idioms, and borrowed words from French and Spanish. It can vary significantly from one region to another, making it a fascinating linguistic mosaic within Morocco itself.
When traveling to Morocco bringing along an English/ French - Arabic dictionary will make your Morocco Travel experience more enjoyable.
Very Common and Super Useful Expressions to know as a tourist in Morocco!
Berber Languages in Morocco
The other one-third of Moroccans includes the Berber population who live in the mountains, in villages within the Middle-Atlas and within remote areas of Morocco. The exact population of speakers of Berber languages is hard to ascertain, since most North African countries do not-traditionally-record language data in their censuses (An exception to this was the 2004 Morocco population census).
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Today, most Berbers understand and speak Arabic but their primary language is Berber. However, as there is no standard Berber language because a standard alphabet was never created, Berber communities cannot communicate well because over three hundred Berber dialects have developed. The main ones include Tarifit spoken among inhabitants of the Rif Mountains, Tamazight is used by Berbers in the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, Tashelhit is spoken by residents of the Anti-Atlas Mountains in central Morocco and Tuareg in the Sahara. Berber tribes use Arabic script or Arabic if they must communicate with one another.
Berber serves as a vernacular language in many rural areas of Morocco. Berber, along with Moroccan Arabic, is one of two languages spoken in homes and on the street. The population does not use Berber in writing. The Tashelhit language is considered to be the most widely spoken as it covers the whole of the Region Souss-Massa-Drâa, and is also spoken in the Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz and Tadla-Azilal regions. Central Morocco Tamazight is the second Berber language in Morocco.
The Amazigh languages, as mentioned earlier, are indigenous to Morocco. They are spoken by the Amazigh people, who have a rich history dating back thousands of years. The Amazigh languages, like Tamazight, Tashelhit, and Tarifit, are not only a means of communication but also a repository of cultural knowledge, myths, and traditions.
Recognizing the significance of Amazigh languages in Morocco, PoliLingua provides translation services for Tamazight, Tashelhit, and Tarifit.
The Resurgence of Amazigh Culture and Language
Amazigh languages and traditions have prevailed in Morocco and the Berbers have recently reclaimed "Berber" as a unifying term. More then 60% of Moroccans now call themselves Amazigh or Berber and Berber languages are spoken by approximately 15 million Moroccans. With the backing of King Mohammad VI, who is part Berber himself, the ancient written Tifnagh alphabet has been revived as a national language and is now being taught in many schools. Within the next decade, Berber will be taught in public schools across Morocco along with English, the new accepted Lingua Franca of trade and tourism.
The Role of French in Modern Morocco
French is also commonly spoken among Berbers and Moroccans. With the exception of the most isolated children, all Moroccans understand and can speak at least a little French. Although Arabic is the national language and used for all formal proceedings in Morocco, international business is often conducted in French and many schools now teach in a mix of French and Arabic.
Morocco's distance from the Middle East and its history of close contact with European nations have created a spoken Arabic that incorporates many French words and expressions. Morocco's months of the year are in French and many street names and signs are written in both Arabic and French. Also, as most books in Morocco as written in French, and seldom translated into English, it is often difficult for non- French speaking westerners to find literature from or about Morocco.
French has a significant presence in Morocco, especially in urban areas and among the educated elite. It serves as a second language for many Moroccans, and its importance extends to business, government, and education. French-language schools and universities are common, and proficiency in French is often seen as an asset in the job market.
PoliLingua facilitates cross-cultural business relationships by translating content between French, Spanish, and Arabic.
Other European Languages in Morocco
In addition to Arabic, Berber and French, it is also common to hear Spanish, German and most recently English in certain areas of Morocco. Until 1965, the Spanish controlled northern Moroccan cities such as Tetouan. Also, because northern Morocco is in such close proximity to Spain, Spanish is commonly spoken in Tangier. In Agadir, a beach resort destination attracting many Germans, German is spoken.
In the northern regions of Morocco, particularly cities like Tangier and Tetouan, Spanish is widely spoken and understood. This linguistic influence is a direct result of Spain's historical presence in this part of Morocco. Due to proximity and cultural exchange, many Moroccans in these areas are bilingual, speaking both Arabic and Spanish.
In recent years, English has been gaining popularity in Morocco, particularly among the younger generation. English-language education has become more widespread, and many Moroccans are eager to learn English for business, tourism, and international communication purposes.
Language Tips for Travelers in Morocco
Since the tourism industry is an important part of Morocco's economy, English is closely linked and used by anyone working in the tourism or hotel industry, thus you should have little trouble traveling in Morocco. While not necessary, if you happen to speak Arabic or French it will make your experience more enjoyable and rewarding.
When Moroccans note your attempts to communicate, they often treat you quite differently are become much more friendly and helpful it. Though most of us are not born linguists, striving to achieve even a small level of communication between ourselves and the inhabitants of the country we are visiting can be a most rewarding endeavor.
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