Moroccan Culture: Language

From International Business Wiki

Morocco Culture: Language

There are many different languages spoken in Morocco. This is a great benefit because it gives someone flexibility in choosing how to communicate with locals in the country. But which language is used when usually depends on where you are at in Morocco, because different regions speak different languages. “The large variety of languages is due in part to the varied historical influences on the people of Morocco” (1).

First, “The official language of Morocco is Arabic, and it is spoken by two-thirds of the population” (2). A second language in Morocco is French. “This is due to the strong French influence during the period of 1912 to 1956” (1). If you want to be successful in dealing with business transactions in Morocco, you will need to speak French. This is because “French is often used as the language of business” (3). So French is extremely important when doing transactions and negotiations among businesses. French is also used in government, so getting around with the legal and political aspects of Morocco demand French. “French is taught universally” in schools, which shows its growing importance in the country (4).

Another language in Morocco is Spanish, “which is spoken by about 20,000 Moroccans in the Northern part of the country” (4). It is understandable why Spanish would be spoken in the Northern regions, because of the close proximity of it to Spain. The Strait of Gibraltar is between both countries. Spanish in these areas is “used in various social contexts” (Sayahi, 96). “Some of the Moroccans in this Northern region feel that if they learn how to speak Spanish, they have a better chance at finding work in Spain if they ever decide to immigrate there, because Arabic and Berber alone are not of great use outside of Morocco” (Sayahi, 101).

Another language spoken in Morocco is English. “Usually Moroccans working in the tourist industry speak English” (1). English is also very common in the bigger cities, such as Casablanca. (5). “English is rapidly becoming the third foreign language of choice among educated youth” in Morocco (4). “The use of English is also on the increase in manufacturing and exporting companies, the Hotel industry, universities, and private schools” (6). “Another language spoken is Berber, which is in three different dialects: Tarifit, Tashelhiyt, and Tamazight.” (4) “They are spoken in more mountainous areas by less than one-third of the population” (3). When doing business in Morocco, it is important to know which of these languages is appropriate to use in whichever region or circumstance you are in. Doing so will greatly enhance your effectiveness at communicating in Morocco.

References

Sayahi, Lotfi. Language and identity among speakers of Spanish in northern Morocco. Journal of Sociolinguistics. Blackwell Publishing Ltd. 2005. Pg 96-107.