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Weekly Travel Article
Learn to Speak Moroccan Arabic (Darija)!
Marrakech Magic
By: Gems Ouziad
Moroccan Arabic, also known as Darija, is a dialect of Maghrebi Arabic that has strong influences from Berber, French, & Spanish, not to be confused with the forms of Arabic spoken in the Middle East. Like many dialects, Moroccan Arabic (Darija) is spoken differently in the various regions of Morocco. In some remote areas, Moroccan Arabic (Darija) disappears altogether and is replaced by Tamazight or another Berber language. Despite that, Moroccan Arabic (Darija) is the main language of Morocco. Learning some Moroccan Arabic (Darija) before traveling to Morocco can greatly improve your Moroccan experience and make your trip much more affordable. Browse our various sections and read our tips about traveling in Morocco...
If you are truly interested in learning how to speak Moroccan Arabic (Darija) or write in Classic Arabic, there are a number of language schools, most located in Rabat and Fez. Like most languages, the best way to learn Moroccan Arabic (Darija) is to immerse yourself and not be afraid to practice with the locals. Moroccans are very friendly and willing to help anyone with the wish to learn their language and culture.
This site can also be used by Moroccan's with a wish to learn how to speak English. Unlike Moroccan Arabic, English is not a phonetic language, making it difficult to know the exact pronunciation. Listen to music and watch movies that are in English to help you learn the diction of the language.
Step a thousand years back in time into one of Shaharazard’s tales, weave through the snake charmers and never-ending marketplaces full of vibrant colors and the smells of exotic spices and orange trees. Listen to the deep enchanting notes of the Gnawa musicians and the methodic calls from the vendors as they vie for your attention. Sit on a terrace sipping mint tea and watching acrobats and dancers awe the crowds below. Such is the magic of the Medina in Marrakech.
Morocco Explorer's Moroccan Arabic (Darija) Pronunciation Guide:
Most letters in Moroccan Arabic (Darija) are pronounced the same as in English with a few exceptions:
1.) ch is pronounced like English sh as in shy where as sh is pronounced like an s as in snake followed by an h as in hope
2.) kh is pronounced like Bach in German, an h like rasp in the throat, where as kh underlined is pronounced like an k as in kite followed by an h as in hope
3.) gh is pronounced like the French r, in the throat
4.) r is pronounced like the Spanish r, with a roll of the tongue
5.) åa is similar to the English a as in cat with the tongue on the bottom of the mouth and said deep in the throat (very difficult for foreigners)
6.) a is pronounced as a soft a as in small
7.) i is pronounced like ee as in seen or as i in inch
8.) Capitalization shows strong emphasis on the letter and that it is pronounced further back in the throat
Beginning Darija
Morocco Explorer helps you build your knowledge of Moroccan Arabic from scratch. Click on one of the lessons below to get started.
Click Here to learn how to write Moroccan Arabic using the Arabic alphabet.
Moroccan Arabic, also known as Darija, is not a written language. It is a dialect of Modern Arabic which also has influences from French, Spanish, Berber, and other African languages. Moroccan Arabic (Darija) is only written as communication between friends and is often written using either Arabic or English characters. Since there is no formal writing, spelling varies and is almost always phonetic. Formal Documents, signs, newspapers, magazines, books, advertisement, menus, etc. are all in Classic Arabic. Though Moroccan Arabic (darija) tends to use less vowels in their writing than typical Classic Arabic.