How to Learn Arabic in Marrakech

The souk (market) in Marrakech

In recent years, Arabic has become a popular language of study for English speakers. This language, however, is difficult, and it can take many years of study before you are fluent in Arabic. One way to speed up that process is to study Arabic in an Arabic-language setting. Programs are offered all across the Arabic-speaking world, and some of the most popular programs are in Morocco. The country welcomes large numbers of Western tourists every year, and is therefore considered a relatively safe and comfortable setting for study. The city of Marrakech, the "Red City" of Morocco with a rich history and strong intellectual tradition, is a frequent choice for people looking to study and learn Arabic.

Things You'll Need

• Admittance to an Arabic language program Arabic-English dictionary

Instructions

1. Decide your language level. Are you a beginner? Have you studied Arabic for a few years already?Some language programs in Morocco offer courses at every level, while others concentrate on more advanced students. Whatever your level, take the time to study the Arabic alphabet before you arrive in Marrakech. In this way, you will be able to navigate by Arabic signs immediately and will have a head start that will speed up your learning of Arabic.

2. Make an informed language choice. You have two choices for studying Arabic in Marrakech, Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) or Moroccan Arabic. While related, these are two distinct dialects that are not interchangeable. Focus on Moroccan Arabic if your goal is the ability to speak Arabic on the streets of Morocco, as most people there are not fluent in MSA. Study MSA if you want to speak and understand Arabic in the wider Arabic-speaking world, but be aware that you will have difficulty communicating in everyday interactions in Marrakech.

3. Find out how much time you have for your Arabic course in Marrakech. Language programs can vary greatly in terms of length. Do you have the freedom to spend a semester or even an entire year in Morocco? Or are you looking for a shorter course of only a few weeks? The shortest language courses in Marrakech last for about two weeks, but courses lasting for two months or longer are the norm.

4. Do your research. There are numerous language programs available in Marrakech, and some of them are better than others. Contact your local university's Arabic-language program for recommendations, and search for student testimonials online. For programs through universities, make sure you are eligible to participate in the program. The University of Georgia's Arabic program in Marrakech, for example, is open only to current university students from any American institution.

5. Figure out your living situation in Marrakech. You want to know where and how you're going to live before you arrive in Morocco. Some language courses offer a residential component as part of their programs, while others expect you to find housing on your own. These home stays are often cheaper than private accommodations, but expect to pay upwards of 1,000 dirhams (about $125 U.S.) per week for the privilege.

6. Confirm your travel plans and double-check everything. You're going to a foreign country, and you don't want anything to go wrong. Make sure your flights match up with your course's starting and ending dates, and confirm your living arrangements before you leave. There are direct flights from many European cities, including London and Paris, to Marrakech's Menara International Airport. From other cities, you will need to make connections in Europe or in larger Moroccan cities, such as Rabat.

7. Plan to leave time to experience the culture of Marrakech. Your travel to Morocco is mostly for language purposes, but you should not miss the cultural and tourist offerings of the city. Buy a good Morocco guidebook and schedule in some time to see some of the attractions. Marrakech is especially famous for its old city, with winding streets too narrow for cars, and for its Berber culture. The city is a major tourist destination in itself, and also functions as a hub for outdoor activities in the nearby Atlas Mountains.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to learn even more Arabic than you can get from a formal course, consider finding a home-stay situation, in which you live with an Arabic-speaking family in Marrakech. Whatever your previous Arabic language ability, make sure you study before you leave for Morocco. Your work will enhance your language abilities and make your course easier. French is the most common second language in Morocco, and it is likely that locals will try to speak to you in French instead of Arabic. If you speak French, you will need to work to avoid the temptation to use only that language in Marrakech.

• If you've studied Modern Standard or Classical Arabic before, keep in mind that locals will have trouble understanding you unless you speak the Moroccan dialect. While Morocco is a popular tourist destination, it is still a foreign country in which few people speak English. Check travel information and warnings before you leave so that you don't end up in a bad situation.

References

• History, geography and other information about Marrakech
• U.S. State Department's Travel Warning Website

Resources

• Tourist information for Marrakech
• Listing of language courses offered in several Moroccan cities
• Sample language course in Marrakech