I’ve always heard that Morocco is a land of contrasts. From the hustle and bustle of its markets to the serene landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, there’s no shortage of fascinating things to discover. But there was one thing I wasn’t prepared for when I visited Morocco: the prevalence of French. As someone who speaks a bit of Arabic, I had assumed that Arabic would be the dominant language across the country. But to my surprise, French in Morocco was everywhere – in the streets, in cafés, and even in casual conversations. So, why does Morocco speak so much French? Here’s what I learned during my time there.
The Colonial Legacy Behind French in Morocco
On my first day in Morocco, I noticed that many people in the bigger cities like Casablanca and Marrakesh were speaking French fluently. It wasn’t just in business meetings or academic settings either – I overheard people chatting in French at markets, restaurants, and even in the hustle of the medina. It was everywhere, and it struck me as unusual for a country that has Arabic as its official language.
Curious, I started asking around and learned that Morocco was actually a French protectorate from 1912 to 1956. During this period, French wasn’t just a language of diplomacy – it was the language of education, government, and business. Even after Morocco gained independence, French remained embedded in the country’s infrastructure and culture. It became the language of higher education, and many Moroccans continued to speak French in daily life, especially in urban centers.
How Did Morocco Become French Speaking?
When Morocco was under French control, the French made significant efforts to shape the country’s political and educational systems, with French becoming the primary language of administration. This was part of the broader colonial strategy to establish dominance and control over key sectors. Even after Morocco gained independence in 1956, French continued to play a central role in government, business, and education.
It’s important to note that while Morocco is an Arab country, French provided an important tool for communication with the broader world. The influence of the French language persists today, especially in business, education, and media.
How Useful is French in Morocco?
During my trip, I quickly realized how crucial French is for anyone hoping to navigate life in Morocco, particularly in urban areas. French is the language of instruction in many universities and schools, especially for science, law, and engineering courses. Speaking French can open up a world of opportunities for Moroccans in fields like international business and diplomacy. It’s also the language of many government offices and higher-level communications, making it a highly practical skill.
So, if you’re planning to visit Morocco or even move there, French will undoubtedly be useful. While many people speak Arabic or Berber as their first language, French allows you to connect more easily with a wider cross-section of the population, particularly in more cosmopolitan settings.
Why Do Moroccan Jews Speak French?
A unique aspect of Morocco’s history is the presence of its Jewish community. Historically, Moroccan Jews were an integral part of the country’s social and cultural fabric. Under French rule, Jewish Moroccans, like their Muslim counterparts, adopted French as the language of education, business, and daily life. French was especially significant for Jewish Moroccans as it connected them to the broader Jewish diaspora in Europe, particularly in France.
Today, even though many Moroccan Jews have moved to Israel, France, or other parts of the world, the use of French continues to be a marker of cultural identity. French is still widely spoken among Moroccan Jews, particularly in their communities abroad.
While French is widely spoken, it’s just one of many reasons why Morocco is worth visiting. From its rich history to breathtaking landscapes, Morocco offers a diverse travel experience for visitors.
Is Morocco an Arab Country?
While Morocco is located in North Africa and shares many cultural and historical ties with the Arab world, it’s also home to the indigenous Berber people, who make up a significant portion of the population. Arabic is one of Morocco’s official languages, and Moroccan Arabic (Darija) is widely spoken across the country. However, Berber languages are also an integral part of Morocco’s identity, with many Moroccans speaking Berber as their first language.
Morocco is often considered an Arab country due to its Arab-influenced culture and the fact that Arabic is one of the official languages. However, its Berber heritage is just as significant, and the country is a melting pot of both Arab and Berber influences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does Morocco speak French and not Spanish?
Morocco’s connection to French comes from its history as a French protectorate from 1912 to 1956. Although Spain did have influence in certain regions of Morocco (like the northern coastal areas), the French protectorate covered a larger part of the country, which made French more widely spoken.
2. How did Morocco become French speaking?
Morocco became French-speaking during its period as a French protectorate from 1912 to 1956. During this time, French became the language of government, education, and business. After independence, French remained influential in these areas, continuing to play a major role in Morocco’s modern-day life.
3. Why do Moroccan Jews speak French?
Moroccan Jews, like their Muslim counterparts, were influenced by French during the colonial period. French was the language of education and administration, and it became a key part of their cultural and social identity. Even today, French remains an important language within the Jewish community in Morocco and abroad.
4. How useful is French in Morocco?
French is incredibly useful in Morocco, especially in urban areas. It’s the language of education for many subjects, especially in higher education, and is essential for doing business, communicating with the government, and interacting with the global community. Knowing French can significantly improve your experience in Morocco.
5. Is Morocco an Arab country?
Morocco is often considered an Arab country due to its Arab-influenced culture and Arabic being one of the official languages. However, it also has a significant Berber population, and the Berber languages are also recognized as official languages. Morocco’s culture is a blend of both Arab and Berber influences.
6. Is Morocco safe for Jews?
Yes, Morocco is considered safe for Jews. The country has a long history of Jewish presence, and while the majority of the Jewish population has moved to other countries, there is still a small, vibrant Jewish community in Morocco. Morocco is known for its religious tolerance, and Jewish sites are well-preserved and respected.
7. What do Berbers speak?
Berbers speak various Berber languages, also known as Tamazight. These languages are indigenous to North Africa, and in Morocco, they are widely spoken alongside Arabic. In 2011, Berber was recognized as an official language of Morocco, further solidifying its importance in the country.
8. Will English replace French in Morocco?
While English is becoming more important globally, French is deeply embedded in Moroccan society and remains a dominant language in education, business, and government. It’s unlikely that English will fully replace French in Morocco in the near future, although the use of English is certainly on the rise, especially among younger generations.
9. Are France and Morocco friends?
Yes, France and Morocco maintain a strong and friendly relationship. They share historical ties due to the French protectorate in Morocco, and both countries have significant cultural and economic exchanges. The relationship is also strengthened by the large Moroccan diaspora living in France.