Blog #3.18 Learning Moroccan Darija

Moroccan Darija class with Noura at Foundation Dar Si Hmad

While I attempted to learn some Darija prior to coming to Morocco, the real drilling began in Foundation Dar Si Hmad on July 2nd, two days into the program. With Noura, we were diving into conversation, learning how to navigate situations we would certainly come across while in Morocco.

We started with introductions, but quickly moved to negotiating in the souk. Aware that shopowners may try to raise prices, we had to learn how to talk them down, how to ask questions about products, and most importantly, order coffee.

Diane in Darija class

Darija is such an interesting language in that it is based in Standard Arabic and Amazigh languages, but influenced by French and Spanish. This is largely due to Morocco’s history of colonization, but Darija holds the enduring base in indigenous Amazigh culture.

The classes were dense, but I enjoyed them and we had a lot of fun practicing new verbs and vocab with each other.

Learning a new language is daunting, but “kulshi mumkin” (anything is possible).

Noura Amayous teaching Moroccan Darija at Foundation Dar Si Hmad

As I went around my daily life, I tried to insert Darija into conversations everywhere: asking “B Sh7al?” (how much) and answering “Bzzaf!” (a lot). It’s exciting to be able to understand people’s responses and communicate sufficiently.

One thing I love about using Darija and about Morocco culturally is the extended greetings: “Salamu 3laykum, labas? Bkhir? Kidayr? L’7amdullah!” Asking how each person is and giving short responses, Moroccans take their time for introductions!

From conjugations to common questions to common expressions, I’ve been learning in and out of the classroom. Many people have been ready to both practice with and teach me some expressions. One of my favorite has been “Hadi hya l’7yat.” = “Such is life.” Will certainly be taking this one back home!

Looking forward to continuing my Darija journey!

-By James Robbins, PhD Student in Applied Anthropology at USF