The two official languages in Morocco are Standard Arabic and Moroccan Tamazight (a subset of the Amazigh or Berber languages). Tamazight is the standardized form of Moroccan Berber, however there are many different types of Berber spoken throughout the country, such as Tashelhit , Tarifit, Kabyle, and Tamahaq. Many Moroccans also speak Moroccan Arabic known as Darija; this is considered the native vernacular.
Arabic and Berber are used throughout the country, however a large Moroccan population also speak French due to Morocco becoming a French protectorate from 1912 to 1956. French is often a language used in education and jobs related to the economy, such as tourism. English is also spoken by some locals in highly populated tourist areas.
Morocco is a good example of how geography and language are often related. The cities of Tangier and Tétouan in the North have a geographically close location to Spain and a large Spanish speaking population. The Spanish enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta, located in Northern Morocco, also have an influence on the Spanish language use in the region. The central mountain regions of Morocco are home to a large indigenous Berber population and the Amazigh language.
Common Berber Phrases:
Hello: Manzakine / Salam
Hotel: Lotel
How much? Menshke aysoua
Lunch: Emkelie
Market : Souk
Money: Flooss
My Name is Jen: Neck Ghih Jen
Please: Arebi
How are you? Manzakine Za
Tea: Atay
Thank you: Ake Issrebeh Moulana
Tomorrow: Sebahe
Today: Rass
Water: Aman
Where is? Mahella
Common Darija Phrases:
Hello: Labass / Salam
Hotel: Hotel
House: Dar
How are you? Kayfa Halouk
How much? Beshehale
Lunch: Leghda
Please: Afak
Tea: Atay
Thank you: Shoukran
Tomorrow: Gheda
Water: Lmaa
What is your name? Ashnou Esemouk
Market: Souk
Money: Flooss
My Name is Sam: Esemi Sam
Cat: Mersh
This entry was posted in Explore, language, Morocco
