Learn about the different languages spoken in Morocco and prepare for your trip. Get to know the country and its people and discover the diversity of Morocco. Read on to learn more about the languages spoken in Morocco and to build your excitement for your trip.
What Languages Are Spoken in Morocco?
What Language is Spoken in Morocco?
Due to Morocco's geographical location in North Africa and its rich history, many different languages are spoken in Morocco. Arabic is the main language and is spoken by almost every Moroccan as their mother tongue.
Due to the colonial era, French is the second official language and is therefore spoken by nearly 33% of Moroccans. The ancient Moroccan language Berber is also still widely spoken in parts of Morocco.
In addition to the aforementioned main languages, Spanish and English are also spoken relatively frequently in Morocco. The following overview provides some interesting facts about the languages mentioned from Morocco.
Arabic: The Mother Tongue of Almost all Moroccans
Arabic is the most widely spoken language in Morocco, especially Moroccan Arabic (also known as Darija). It's spoken by over 30 million Moroccans and by Moroccans living around the world, and it has some significant differences from Standard Arabic, as we'll see later.
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French: The Second Official Language in Morocco
French was introduced to Morocco during the French colonial period and remained an important language for commercial and diplomatic communication, as well as for culture, even after the country's independence in 1956.
Especially in the capital, Rabat, and other larger cities, you will encounter many Moroccans who speak fluent French.
Therefore, a language course in Morocco is a worthwhile option to learn French while simultaneously experiencing the country's fascinating culture.
Spanish: Spread Due to Geographical Proximity
Spanish, on the other hand, is spoken primarily in the northern regions of Spain, for example in the city of Tangier, due to the geographical proximity to Spain and the effects of Spanish rule.
It is also interesting to note that a large minority in Spain originates from Morocco, and therefore Arabic is widely spoken in Spain.
According to a 2018 study by the Pew Research Center, approximately 1.5 million people of Moroccan origin live in Spain.
Berber (Amazigh): Everything You Need to Know
Berber is the mother tongue of many communities in Morocco and is still spoken in many parts of the country. Berber is a very old language that has variations depending on the region where it is spoken and is descended from the indigenous Berbers of North Africa.
Some regional variants of Berber include Tamazight in central Morocco, Tarifit in northern Morocco, and Tashelhit in southern Morocco.
English: The Global Language in Morocco
Although Morocco was never a British colony, English is now an important language for international trade and the tourism industry, and is therefore widely used, especially in tourist destinations and major cities around the world.
With good English skills, you will therefore be able to get by very well in Morocco's larger cities.
Minority Languages: What Other Languages are Spoken in Morocco?
Other minority languages are also spoken in Morocco, such as Italian , which was introduced during Italian rule in neighboring Libya, and Portuguese , which arrived during the brief Portuguese colonial period in North Africa.
Morocco's linguistic diversity is a testament to its history and geographical location, which has made the country a crossroads of different cultures and languages.
The Official Languages of Morocco
Modern Standard Arabic is the official language of Morocco. It is used in the media, in politics and economics, and in official documents. However, the most common variety of Arabic used in everyday life is, as mentioned earlier, Moroccan Arabic, which has some differences in pronunciation and grammar.
Moroccan Arabic shows influences from the Romance languages and Berber; some consonants are pronounced differently than in Standard Arabic, and the tenses, terms, and expressions also differ.
After Arabic, the most important language in Morocco is Berber, which was recognized as an official language in 2011, along with Modern Standard Arabic. Berber has a long history and is still spoken primarily by many indigenous communities in the country. According to some studies, there are approximately five million Berber speakers in Morocco.
The Role of Languages in Moroccan Culture
The various languages spoken in Morocco have a significant influence on the country's culture. Languages have a particularly strong impact on music, art, architecture, and business. You will discover the influence of Arabic , French , and Berber on Moroccan culture later in this article.
The Role of Arabic on Moroccan Culture
Arabic has a significant influence on Moroccan culture, as it is the country's official language and most Moroccans speak it. Arabic culture and language have shaped Moroccan culture over the centuries and are an important part of the country's identity.
In Moroccan culture, the influence of Arab culture is evident in many areas, particularly in architecture, cuisine, and music. Arab architecture can be seen in many Moroccan cities, such as the old city of Marrakech with its famous riads and mosques.
Arab influences are also found in Moroccan cuisine, especially in the use of spices and the preparation of dishes like couscous and tagine. Arab music has also influenced Moroccan music, particularly within the realm of Andalusian music.
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The Influence of the French Language on Morocco
French has played a significant role in Morocco, as the country was a French protectorate from 1912 to 1956. During this time, French was used as the language of administration and education, and played a prominent role among the educated elite.
Today, French is considered an important language in Morocco, particularly in the fields of commerce, education, and diplomacy. It has also influenced Moroccan culture, especially in literature, art, and music, as well as in architecture and urban planning.
The Influence of Berber in Morocco
Berber culture still exerts a significant influence on Moroccan society, even though most Moroccans speak Arabic. The Berbers are an indigenous people of North Africa who share their own language and culture. In Moroccan culture, the influence of Berber culture is evident in many areas, particularly in music, art, and crafts.
Traditional Berber music is still played in Morocco and other North African countries, and Berber art has also influenced Moroccan art. Furthermore, the Berbers have played a vital role in Moroccan craftsmanship, producing carpets, jewelry, and ceramics in traditional patterns and designs.
Morocco: A Brief Historical Overview
To understand which language is spoken in Morocco today, and more importantly, why, it's essential to discuss the country's history and the various civilizations that have inhabited it over the centuries.
The territory of present-day Morocco, located in the northwest of the African continent, has been inhabited by various peoples throughout the ages. From the 1st century BC, the Phoenicians settled there, followed by the Romans from the 1st century AD, under whose rule there was remarkable development in various fields such as agriculture, land and sea trade, and architecture. After the Vandals and the Byzantines, the Arabs arrived. During this period, Islam took hold in Morocco, and various Islamic dynasties succeeded one another, including the Almoravids, the Almohads, the Marinids, and the Wattasids.
Subsequently, thanks to its strategic location on trade routes between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, Morocco developed into a major commercial and cultural center. The European peoples divided Moroccan territories and resources among themselves until a French protectorate was established in the south and a Spanish one in the north. However, in 1956, Morocco gained its independence, becoming one of the first countries to break free from European domination.
Following independence, Morocco went through various phases of political and economic development, but also periods of oppression and wars against its neighbors, with King Hassan II reigning until 1999. In recent decades, Morocco has made significant progress in the areas of economy, education, and modernization, but continues to face challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and economic inequality.
Learn a New Language Together with Sprachcaffe
With Sprachcaffe, you can learn a foreign language not only from the comfort of your home, but also by leaving your home country and immersing yourself in the culture and daily life of the locals. You can choose from a variety of destinations in our catalog and learn a language like English, Spanish, German, French, Chinese, Italian, or Arabic while fully immersing yourself in the local culture and daily life.
Here at Sprachcaffe, we also offer various accommodation options, including host families, shared apartments, and student residences. This way, you can choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.
Want to learn Arabic in Morocco? Book a language course in Rabat and experience Moroccan culture! Our language school in Rabat is ready to welcome you, as is this vibrant, cosmopolitan, and dynamic city.
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