What Languages Are Spoken in Morocco? (A Complete Guide)
5 minute read
“Traveling - it gives you home in thousand strange places, then leaves you a stranger in your own land.”
Morocco is a multilingual country with a rich linguistic history.
The official languages of Morocco are Arabic and Amazigh, but French, Spanish and English are also widely spoken.
Moroccan Arabic (Darija)
Moroccan Arabic is the most common language spoken in Morocco. It is a dialect of Arabic that is influenced by Amazigh, French, and Spanish. Moroccan Arabic is spoken by about 98% of the Moroccan population. It is the language of everyday communication, used in homes, schools, and businesses. It is also the language of the media, government, and the courts.
Moroccan Arabic is a complex and diverse language. There are many different regional dialects, and each dialect has its own unique features. However, there are also some common features that all Moroccan Arabic dialects share. For example, Moroccan Arabic uses French loanwords, and it has a distinctive rhythm and intonation.
Amazigh
Amazigh is the native language of the Amazigh people, who are the original inhabitants of Morocco. There are many different Amazigh dialects, but the most common ones are Tashelhit, Tamazight, and Riffian. Amazigh is spoken by about 26% of the Moroccan population. It is the language of the Amazigh people, and it is used in some rural areas.
Amazigh is a very old language, and it has a rich history. It is believed to be one of the oldest languages in the world. Amazigh is also a very diverse language, with many different dialects. However, all Amazigh dialects share some common features. For example, Amazigh is a tonal language, which means that the meaning of a word can be changed by the tone of voice in which it is spoken.
French
French was the official language of Morocco during the French colonial period. It is still widely spoken today, especially in the cities. About 63% of Moroccans can speak French.
French has had a major impact on the Moroccan language. Many Moroccan Arabic words are borrowed from French, and French grammar and syntax have influenced the way Moroccan Arabic is spoken.
Spanish
Spanish is spoken in the northern regions of Morocco, which were once part of Spain. About 10% of Moroccans can speak Spanish. Spanish is the language of the Spanish community in Morocco, and it is also the language of trade with Spain.
Spanish has also had a major impact on the Moroccan language. Many Moroccan Arabic words are borrowed from Spanish (As Spanish itself has over 4000 Arabic words), and Spanish grammar and syntax have influenced the way Moroccan Arabic is spoken.
English
English is becoming increasingly popular in Morocco, especially among young people. About 14% of Moroccans can speak English. English is the language of international business and tourism, and it is also the language of education in many schools.
English is also having an impact on the Moroccan language. More and more Moroccan Arabic words are being borrowed from English, and English grammar and syntax are being used in Moroccan Arabic.
Here are some tips for learning the languages of Morocco:
Start by learning the basics of Moroccan Arabic. This includes greetings, numbers, and basic phrases. There are many resources available to help you learn Moroccan Arabic, including online courses, apps, and textbooks.
Immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. This means watching Moroccan movies and TV shows, listening to Moroccan music, and reading Moroccan newspapers and magazines.
Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when they are learning a new language.
I hope this article has helped you plan your trip to Morocco. For more information, please visit the official website of the Moroccan Tourism Board: https://www.visitmorocco.com/en/.
