Arabic is one of the official languages of Morocco and it’s the most-used language in the North African nation. Furthermore, Arabic is the language of Islam and it’s used in more than 20 countries in North Africa and the Middle East.
Two types of Arabic are spoken in Morocco—Modern Standard Arabic (MSA, and also known as fuss-ha) and Darija (also known as Colloquial Moroccan Arabic, or CMA), the local Moroccan dialect.
There are many similarities between the two forms of Arabic, though they are not always mutually intelligible.
There are many places around Morocco where you can study Arabic, with language centers and private tutors in most major cities and towns.
If developing your skills in Arabic is something you’d like to achieve while in Morocco, here’s everything you need to know to make your linguistic journey a success
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Reasons to Learn Arabic
More than 300 million people around the world speak Arabic as their native language, with many more people who speak Arabic as a second language.
It is the fifth most-used native language on the planet and the official language of 22 countries.
Arabic is a rich language and one that many people find interesting. No matter which dialect of Arabic you learn, the written language is the same.
Even if you encounter difficulties communicating verbally with a speaker of a different dialect, you should still be able to communicate in writing.
As the language of Islam, Arabic is essential for understanding the Quran. If you’re planning to undertake a religious pilgrimage, such as Hajj or Umrah, knowing Arabic will make your religious journey a lot more fulfilling. Non-Muslims with an interest in world religions will also benefit from knowing Arabic.
Any language skills are also a plus point in the working world; Arabic is no exception. With a growing demand for Arabic speakers in Western nations, and relatively few people who can proficiently use the language, learning Arabic can open up new employment opportunities.
If you are planning to live or spend an extended period of time in an Arabic-speaking nation, knowing at least the basics in the language will make your day-to-day interactions much easier.
You can also integrate more into the local community and understand more about the local culture
Learning a few Darija phrases can take you a long way in Morocco
- Hello: Assaloum- Alayakoum
- Thank You: Shoukran
- Please: Afak
- Excuse Me: Smah liya
- Yes: Iyah
- No: La
- No Thanks: La Shoukran
Considerations When Deciding to Learn Arabic in Morocco
There are several things to think about when choosing whether to learn Arabic in Morocco.
As mentioned above, there are two forms of Arabic used in Morocco, and knowing which version you want to study is vital. MSA will likely be of more benefit
if you wish to study for professional or religious reasons or if you plan on traveling widely through other Islamic nations. On the other hand, if your primary goals are to integrate in Moroccan society, Darija will be of greater benefit.
Some learning centres offer private one-on-one tuition while others run courses where you’ll study alongside other students. There are pros and cons to each type of study.
Learning privately means that you can learn and improve at your own pace and your lessons are likely to be a lot more tailored to meet your development needs.
These classes provide little opportunities to try out your new skills on anyone other than your tutor and are usually more expensive than group sessions.
While group learning is often more rigid in terms of its objectives and content, there’s often a huge benefit in having class mates that you can study with and practice with. Plus, you get the social aspect and can make new friends.
The cost of a course is important. There’s no point in starting a program that will ultimately become unsustainable cost-wise and subsequently abandoning your studies. Be realistic with your budget and long-term study plans.
With language-learning facilities around the country, knowing where you want to study is important. This will be your home base for the duration of your studies so it needs to be a place that you feel comfortable and somewhere you would be happy living.
If you prefer coastal destinations, for example, there’s no point choosing a course based in Fez! Similarly, if city living is more up your street and you thrive off the hustle and bustle of everyday life, immersing yourself in a small rural community isn’t likely to inspire you.
Morocco has many language centres, some of which offer a range of handy services and extras. Some, for instance, will assist you to find somewhere to live for the duration of your course.
Others have onsite accommodation. Some language centers include trips and fun activities as part of your learning experience.
There are some facilities that offer other add-on courses, allowing you to follow a much broader course of study.
Some seek to help you improve your day-to-day communication skills, some focus on language for business, and others follow accredited programs whereby you sit standardized exams after modules.
Check what different courses offer, while considering what aspects are the most important for you.
Best Language Centres around Morocco
From north to south and from east to west, these are some of the top language centres in Morocco’s main destinations:
Rabat
Qalam wa Lawh Center
Qalam wa Lawh Center offers intensive short- and long-term courses in Arabic for learners of all levels. Courses are available in MSA, Darija, and for specific purposes, such as business.
Students learn in small groups with a maximum of ten other people. Courses start every two weeks all throughout the year.
Students begin on a course appropriate to their level and can only progress to the next level upon completion of a test.
The campus is close to areas of housing, public transport, shops, and eateries, and you’ll find classrooms, a restaurant, meeting rooms, and a computer room within the actual modern campus.
Ahlan World
Ahlan World is another top place to study Arabic in Morocco’s capital of Rabat. The company has schools in several countries.
The center aims to provide useful language skills and to also promote cultural understanding. MSA and Darija are both available, and weekend trips and exchange programs are also available to facilitate learning.
Special courses with a media focus could be ideal for journalists, bloggers, and others who rely on the written word for their work.
Sprachcaffe Rabat
Sprachcaffe Rabat offers a range of international languages, including Modern Standard Arabic and the colloquial dialect of Darija.
The professional teaching team tailors the curriculum to meet the needs of individual students, and they use a range of instructional methods to facilitate learning. The atmosphere is youthful and friendly while still being professional.
Casablanca
Berlitz
Berlitz is a large global chain of language schools with a centre in Morocco’s economic heart of Casablanca. (There is also a Berlitz school in Rabat.)
School’s follow a particular teaching method, namely a conversational method that aims to get students to a stage of answering spontaneously, thinking and communicating in their new language with ease, and having the confidence to use their new language in a variety of settings.
Private and group lessons are available and there are tests that you can take.
Lessan Al Arab Center
Lessan Al Arab Center was one of the first language centers in Casablanca to focus on teaching Arabic, both MSA and Moroccan Darija. Students learn in small groups, with people who are at a similar linguistic level.
A range of activities is arranged to expose students to various settings to practice their new skills.
The courses enable students to delve deeper into Moroccan culture in general, including politics, religion, and society, for a greater understanding about life in the kingdom.
Marrakech
Lessane Arabi Center for Arabic Studies
Marrakech’s Lessane Arabi Center for Arabic Studies focuses on academic learning and there are language courses tailored to business use and for diplomats.
You can prepare for a range of professional tests and exams, study classical Arab literature, and more.
Children’s classes are available too, and you can take part in a range of cultural activities to broaden your experience.
Centre for Language and Culture
(CLC) has become a popular place to learn Arabic in Marrakech, working with several US and UK-based universities and non-profit organizations to provide full immersion programs that include homestays, in-country excursions and intercultural sensitivity training.
It is located in the heart of Marrakesh, in the new city (Gueliz) but just on the edge of the old city (al-Medina). It has a beautiful campus with lots of outside space, nice classrooms, a library and a café.
In addition to great in-person classes and programs, the CLC has developed online Arabic learning opportunities and is working with schools and individuals both in the US and the UK.
CLC teachers follow the communicative approach to teaching, so the classes are engaging and enjoyable, as well as educational.
Fez
Arabic Language Institute in Fez
The Arabic Language Institute in Fez (ALIF) is among the longest-established Arabic language centres in the country. Students can focus one either MSA or Darija, starting from the Introductory Course right through to classes for upper advanced learners.
It’s a great way for people of any level to learn Arabic and progress at a steady base while building confidence. Classes are also available on Islam and Moroccan literature for those who want a broader education.
Ibn Ghazi Arabic Institute
An esteemed learning facility, Ibn Ghazi Arabic Institute runs language courses in Modern Standard Arabic and Darija.
Cultural immersion programs are also arranged. Classes are held in a modern facility with up-to-date technology and resources.
All teachers are native Arabic speakers with teaching qualifications.
Meknes
AAIN Arabic Institute
AAIN offers a complete immersion into language studies in the old imperial city of Meknes. You’ll stay with a local family in a homestay, letting you use your language skills in various settings and at all times.
As well as MSA and Darija, the facility also runs courses in Amazight, Morocco’s other official language and the language traditionally spoken by Berber groups.
Furthermore, there are courses with a media focus and courses for teenagers. As well as formal lectures and tutorials students will have the opportunity to join clubs, take part in competitions and speaking events, go on trips, and possibly even take up volunteering positions and internships.
Arab American Language Institute in Morocco
Another great place to improve your Arabic skills in Meknes, the Arab American Language Institute in Morocco is an accredited facility with links to a US university. People can study at all levels.
Middle Eastern studies and cultural sessions are available too. The fees include tuition, accommodation, a range of excursions, and two meals every day.
Tetouan
Dar Loughat – Cross-Cultural Language Center
Located in Northern Morocco’s Tetouan, Dar Loughat – Cross-Cultural Language Center provides expert courses in MSA and Darija. Courses have 20 lessons per week, with students grouped according to ability.
Students can study anywhere from one week to one year. Textbooks are provided. The minimum age is eight years old.
There are plenty of reasons to learn Arabic, and Morocco is a great place to improve your language skills