Morocco is known to be a country of great language multiplicity. You will always find many Moroccans speaking more than two languages. Classical Arabic however is known to be Morocco's official language nevertheless people have a tendency of speaking dialect that can be referred to as a Moroccan Arabic dialect. Subsequent to Arabic are three other dialects of the Berbers and these are Tarifit, Tashelhit, and Tamazight; these are spoken predominantly in the countryside areas.
In addition to speaking Arabic and these Berber dialects, French is yet another language that is very popular in Morocco and this is the main language for business and is also spoken by the majority of Moroccans. For those that can speak some French or have an English-French / French-English translation phrasebook you will not have any problem when doing shopping and getting around town.
Quite a good number of people who visit Morocco do not normally make any effort to learn any Arabic or Berber expressions however you will always find the locals so much appreciative even if you just utter a salutation in their language. You may also purchase a Moroccan - Arabic language translation phrasebook. Often times, most dialects of Arabic will be easily understood in Morocco. Conversely, in the northern cities of Morocco, you will discover that Spanish is often the second language of usage. Also English is becoming more and more well-liked especially amongst the youth.
Instead of buying the entire language translation books, you may just decide to learn just a few words of Arabic language.
Some of the most useful phrases in Arabic are just listed below along with some notes to guide on the pronunciation bit of it.
Note that all written letters must be pronounced well; even the double vowels and the underlined letters must be stressed.
My name is: - Ismee
Hello – La bes: this can be used informally when addressing an individual.
Hello – Salam walaykoom: this is more formal and is used when addressing a group of people.
Hello – Beheer: this is the response to the above
Good-bye: – Bslemah
Please: – Minfadlik or Afek
Thank you: – Shokran or Barakalowfik
Yes – Na'am
No – La
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