Most Moroccans speak several languages. Arabic is the language of instruction in most schools, but French is also widely used (Morocco was a French protectorate in the early/mid 1900's). Some people in the south also speak Spanish. English, however, is fast becoming the language of choice, especially amongst the younger population. Finally, a third of the population speak Amazigh, a language which is far older than English. These are the people I referred to as Berbers in a previous post, which I have subsequently learned is not politically correct. There is also a Moroccan dialect of Arabic, called Darija, which is widely spoken at home.
As Americans we are at a distinct disadvantage compared to the rest of the world because of our monolinguistic environment. A Moroccan child, who grows up learning 3 or 4 very distinct languages will have language acquisition skills far superior to a typical American.
Although Moroccans speak Arabic, they do not generally consider themselves to be Arabs. The Koran is written in Arabic and is not supposed to be translated into other languages. Thus if you are a Muslim, and most Moroccans are, then you speak Arabic. However the Amzigh (aka Berbers) were here long before Islam arrived with Arab invaders.
The situation is somewhat analogous to the Spanish influence in Mexico. Most Mexicans are a mixture of Spanish blood and Indian blood, but they would never refer to themselves as "Spanish," they are simply Mexicans. Moroccans are an amalgamation of many influences, some of which go back thousands of years.
As Americans we are at a distinct disadvantage compared to the rest of the world because of our monolinguistic environment. A Moroccan child, who grows up learning 3 or 4 very distinct languages will have language acquisition skills far superior to a typical American.
Although Moroccans speak Arabic, they do not generally consider themselves to be Arabs. The Koran is written in Arabic and is not supposed to be translated into other languages. Thus if you are a Muslim, and most Moroccans are, then you speak Arabic. However the Amzigh (aka Berbers) were here long before Islam arrived with Arab invaders.
The situation is somewhat analogous to the Spanish influence in Mexico. Most Mexicans are a mixture of Spanish blood and Indian blood, but they would never refer to themselves as "Spanish," they are simply Mexicans. Moroccans are an amalgamation of many influences, some of which go back thousands of years.
