How to: Language
Written by Nadia (@mydarijatutor)
Quick Read
What languages are spoken in Morocco? In Morocco, people commonly speak four main languages:
Tamazight dialects,
Darija,
Modern Standard Arabic
French
Next to this, Spanish and English are also widely understood. Most Moroccans grow up speaking at least two languages before starting school. What to know more, keep reading!
Summary:
Spanish is more common in the north, while English is growing in popularity.
Taghazout locals speak: Tachlhit, Darija, French, and English.
Tourists are encouraged to learn basic phrases for a better cultural experience.
For learning Darija, check out @mydarijatutor on Instagram.
Read more
What Is Darija? Morocco's Everyday Language
To begin with, in Morocco, people speak Darija. It’s a spoken language used in daily life. This dialect is influenced by several languages, including Modern Standard Arabic, Tamazight, French, and Spanish. It is widely spoken across Morocco, with minor regional differences in vocabulary.
Tamazight & Its Dialects in Morocco
Moving on to Tamazight dialects. In the Agadir region, people speak Tachlhit, which is one of the Tamazight dialects found across Morocco. While it’s often called 'Berber,' many native speakers find this term offensive. If you’re used to saying 'Berber,' don’t be surprised if someone corrects you to say 'Tamazight,' or even specifies the name of the particular dialect. These dialects are part of the rich linguistic heritage of North Africa and are often referred to as 'Native North African dialects.'
French & Spanish in Morocco: Why Are They Spoken?
French is another important language in Morocco. It’s still widely used in business, work, and daily life. Many administrations continue to rely on French for official dealings, and you’ll often see street signs written in French. That said, its presence has been declining lately as English starts to take up more space.
Lastly, there’s Spanish. While Darija does include some Spanish words, it’s not as common as French. However, in northern Morocco, you’re more likely to hear Moroccans mixing in Spanish words when speaking Darija. People from this region also tend to speak Spanish better than French.
What Language Is Spoken in Taghazout?
Taghazout is an Amazigh village in the Agadir region, so the locals primarily speak Tachlhit. In addition to Tachlhit, they also speak Darija, French, and English. Some people are also familiar with Spanish and German, especially given the area’s connection to tourism.
Should You Learn Some Local Words Before Visiting?
The answer is a bit of both. Learning a new language can be tough, especially if it’s quite different from Latin-based languages. That said, locals really appreciate it when tourists try to use a few basic words, like greetings or thank yous. It’s a way to show respect to the culture, and they’re always open to teaching you new words and helping you with pronunciation. You’ll always get a warm response with a big smile in Darija, Tachlhit, or even Modern Standard Arabic.
Basic Darija & Tachlhit Phrases for Travelers
Here are some useful phrases to get you started:
Darija:
Hello! - S'salamu 3ali-kum / S'salam
Good-bye - Beslama
Please - 3afak
Thank you - Shukran
You’re welcome - Mer7ba
Yes - Iyeh / Ah
No - La
How much? - B sh7al?
I’m + name - Ana .. +name
How to Learn Darija Online? Meet My Darija Tutor
Although Darija is a spoken language, it can definitely be taught and learned with proper rules and textbooks. However, with limited resources online, native speakers like @mydarijatutor on Instagram make it easier to learn. Whether you're visiting Morocco for a short time or aiming to become more advanced in Darija, @mydarijatutor can help you learn more about Darija and Moroccan culture.
Who is My Darija Tutor?
Nadia
Meet Nadia, a native Darija speaker from Agadir with a passion for sharing her knowledge and helping others. Her love for teaching and connecting with people led her to start teaching Darija to non-native speakers.
In 2021, after earning her degree in English studies, Nadia needed a way to support her studies in tourism management. She decided to become a community tutor and began teaching Darija online, a journey that has been both rewarding and inspiring. Along the way, she’s connected with students from all over the world, each bringing unique stories and backgrounds.
After completing her studies, Nadia launched My Darija Tutor to reach even more learners and help them explore the richness of the Moroccan dialect. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, Nadia is here to guide you through the vibrant world of Darija!
