1

I've noticed that many Moroccans of the educated classes now speak English, and are keen to talk to tourists whose mother tongue language is correct English, ( no slang, please ) to improve and correct their delivery. These people also speak French "obligatoire" from Koranic Schools. If you are travelling in tourist circles, English will be widely spoken and understood, it's only when you start to travel 'off the beaten track' that the ability to speak French is a definite advantage in conversing with local people. They will never expect you to speak Arabic, so it's hardly worth learning it, although I make clumsy attempts with the limited vocabulary I have, to try to integrate in certain (bar room) situations.

So, unless you want to learn French as a hobby, your English will suffice. There is no better place to learn than a country like Morocco, where all the signposts and street furniture are displayed in French, and eavesdropping in conversations will improve your pronunciation, which is the most difficult part of the learning process.

Good luck, Miguel.

2

English will work just fine about everywhere.

3

Where you are going English is perfectly acceptable. The danger in using a little, recently-learned French is that they may reply in voluble French.

Dave

4

That's very odd. I found my (extremely) limited French quite helpful almost everywhere I went--talking to guides, shopkeepers, hoteliers, waitstaff, police, people giving me directions, etc. etc. etc. Maybe I didn't spend enough time around other tourists....? Take this as a FWIW.

Mark

5

It is without problem to speak English.

but, please markharf, what is FWIW??? :) thanks

6

Yes, what is FWIW? Is it some sort of Freemasons secret code which the majority of us are not intended to understand? .....Please elucidate.

Miguel.

7

If my Internet slang knowledge does not fail me, it means 'For what it's worth'.

8

it can be so, thanks pirilampo

9

Loosie111 - if you want to make the effort, learn a bit of Arabic. I just returned from an 11 day trip - first time to Morocco and first time speaking Arabic. Everyone’s different, but every country I visit for more than a couple of days I make an effort to learn a few phrases. I didn't expect to learn much within 10 days but I picked up enough to get by, connect with locals, show respect to elders, and have a laugh with them too – everyone was thrilled my friend and I made the effort and it really made our Moroccan adventure. Now back in England, I miss speaking it! I speak a bit of French too (would help to brush up on it for the non-English speakers) but learning Arabic was awesome…

Here are a few of my faves I used a lot - just ask the locals they will be happy to teach you! Note – phonetic to help!

Sa-lam/Salam a la kum – Hello/Peace upon you
Sabah el h’ead – Good morning
Shu-kran (bizzef) – Thank you (very much)
En-Shallah – God willing
Ana smeeti… - My name is…
Cha-hal – How much?
Sha’bet – Full (very useful when walking around the Djemma el Fna! Just rub your tummy and say this and they’ll know you’ve eaten )
Shoof – Just looking (handy for souk shopping)
Gali – Expensive
Sch-wee-a – A little bit
Zwin – Very nice (can be used after eating a good meal, something that looks beautiful, something you’re impressed by etc.)
Ba-slema – Goodbye
Ba-sah-ha – Cheers (when you drink the tea)

Don’t worry about pronouncing it wrong – someone will always correct you! Good luck!

10

Cazzz has a good point. Most Moroccans appreciate it if you know a bit of Arabic. Even if you only learn Salam alakem, En-Shallah, Shu-kran and Ba-slema, they are generally impressed that you know any at all. You might also want to try to remember min fadhlik - please.

11

If I recall correctly saying zweena to cute girls was very useful.

12

You always know how to charm the ladies Marocfan.

13

Well of course I would never use such a tactic...well, maybe only on occasion?

14

ha ha, you are as the other men, so don´t try - on occasion :)