Study Moroccan Arabic

Learn to communicate with Moroccans by studying Darija online or in-person

What is Darija?

Darija is the local dialect of Arabic in Morocco. Darija means “everyday, colloquial language” and therefore has connotations of informality, mostly used in casual conversations. Moroccan Darija shares an estimated 70-75% of its vocabulary with Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), and is, therefore, a good starting point to learn any type of Arabic. It also contains a mixture of words taken from Berber dialects, French, and to a lesser extent words from Spanish and English.

Can I learn Darija?

Arabic may seem like an intimidating language to learn with its different alphabet and sometimes difficult sounds, but you can learn Moroccan Arabic! With our Darija program, in the first week, you'll learn words, expressions, and dialogues that you can start using right away. You will clearly notice your progress from the beginning, which will encourage you and keep you motivated for future learning.

Learning Darija with Crossroads Cultural Exchange

  • You can learn to communicate naturally with Moroccans so that they feel free to communicate with you as well.
    Our approach to language learning is a communicative approach where our experienced teachers take you through not only the rules of the language (grammar, structure, syntax) but also communicative habits (e.g. how to greet someone). We combine our structured in-class learning with written materials, audio recordings, and printed and electronic flashcards so that you can learn in the way that works for you. With flexible scheduling available, we will help you develop your Darija communication abilities as well as Moroccan cultural awareness.

    • In the first phase of language learning, each lesson starts with a dialogue about everyday life situations. This will help you to start communicating with Moroccans from the moment that you start language classes. These dialogues then serve as a basis from which you learn vocabulary, expressions, grammar, and culture.

    • At the intermediate level, you will mostly find stories instead of dialogues. These stories cover topics ranging from Moroccan culture and traditions to professional and practical life. The goal is to expand your vocabulary, grow in grammar, and communicate in Darija with confidence.

Is It Important to Learn the Arabic Alphabet?

  • Since Moroccan Arabic is essentially a spoken language, the emphasis is on speaking. However, we believe that learning the Arabic alphabet is very helpful. It may seem to slow you down in the beginning (even though at the first level we also use phonetics), but it will help you later. Phonetics is only a limited aid that cannot do the job as well as the Arabic alphabet.

  • Knowing the Arabic Alphabet:

    • Helps with pronunciation

    • Helps you see the links between words that are based on the same root

    • Allows you to read and understand written texts, even if they are in Modern Standard Arabic

    • Opens up many other resources that would otherwise remain inaccessible to you

 
The many ancient buildings and minarets of the old medina of Fes

  • Learn more about Moroccan Arabic here.

  • Learn more about our center in Fes where you can study Darija here.

  • Schedule a free trial session by contacting us here.

 

Regular Schedule

Classes can be scheduled upon demand and can start at any time. Email us at hello@crossroadsculturalexchange.com to schedule your classes.

For full-time Moroccan Arabic students, we recommend studying three hours a day, five days a week during the Introductory and Beginner Levels. Upon reaching the Intermediate Level, we recommend studying 1.5 hours in class and the same amount of time practicing outside of class. We also recommend four weeks of study in class followed by a one-week break.

 
 

Proposed Schedule

  • Serious Explorer

    1 week

    10 sessions — 15 hours

  • Salam 1

    4 weeks

    40 sessions | 60 hours

    Break - 1 week

    Salam 2

    4 weeks

    40 sessions | 60 hours

    Break - 1 week

    Bridge

    3 weeks

    30 sessions | 45 hours

    Break - 1 week

  • Salam 3-1

    4 weeks

    20 sessions | 30 hours

    break — 1 week

    Salam 3-2

    4 weeks

    20 sessions | 30 hours

    Break — 1 week

    Salam 3-3

    4 weeks

    20 sessions | 30 hours

    Break — 1 week

    Salam 3-4

    4 weeks

    20 sessions | 30 hours

    Break — 1 week

    Salam 3-5

    4 weeks

    20 sessions | 30 hours

    Total for the Program to this point: 39 weeks | 325 hours

  • After the Salam 3 level, the student can then follow modules of Salam 4 in any order and at their convenience.

    Conversation

    Prophets

    Animal Stories

    Juha Stories (Video Series and Discussion)

  • Ramadan (10 sessions)

    Aid El Adha (10 sessions)

    Business Darija (15 sessions)

    Pregnancy & Childbirth (6 sessions)

    Let's Laugh - Moroccan Jokes (10 sessions)

    Idioms & Expressions (20 sessions)

    Moroccan Proverbs (10 sessions)

    Driving in Morocco

    Health Lessons A (15 sessions)

    Health Lessons B (15 sessions)

    Health Lessons C (10 sessions)

    Pronunciation drills and review (as needed)

 

Conversation Practice

Because speaking with locals is vital to language learning, at CCE, we offer conversation practice sessions with one of our staff who is familiar with the material and available to help you apply the material you are learning. Gain additional vocabulary and reinforce what you are learning by scheduling some extra practice sessions, available online or in person.

 The Key to Arabic Language Learning

  • Progress will be made by putting into practice the things you’ve learned in class. These are the things you can do to improve your language skills:

    • Listen to the provided audio files.

    • Study the provided flashcards (available in both printed and electronic form with the Anki app) to help you memorize vocabulary.

    • Do your homework (oral and written exercises, memorization).

    • Talk with Moroccans. You will discover that most Moroccans are very sympathetic to someone who wants to learn their language and will gladly listen to you and help you improve your language skills.

    • Immerse yourself fully into Moroccan language and culture with a homestay.

Our Program

  • A traditionally-dressed Moroccan man walking down a Medina street

    Salam 1

    Salam means "peace" or simply "greeting". You will hear this word often and in many combinations. Our method will help you master the Moroccan dialect and help you understand Moroccan culture better.

    Salam 1 is a Moroccan Arabic course for beginners that lasts approximately 60 hours (forty sessions). We recommend intensive study by taking two sessions daily for four weeks.

    After finishing Salam 1, you will know greetings, everyday phrases, pronunciation, and how to read and write Arabic letters without serious difficulty.

    In the Salam 1 course all Arabic words and dialogues are given in both the Arabic alphabet and in phonetic transcription, using the phonetic system used by major dictionaries of literary Arabic. However, after Salam 1, lesson text will be written only in the Arabic alphabet.

    Contact Us
  • A narrow alley through old Medina with ancient-looking buildings on either side

    Salam 2

    Salam 2 lasts for 40 sessions of 90 minutes (60 hours), which we recommend taking in four weeks. Expect to spend additional time each day on homework and practice. At this point in your studies, you should be able to read in the Arabic alphabet, but the emphasis for the course will be on speaking more than reading and writing.

    This course covers the basic grammar of spoken Moroccan Arabic, using dialogues from everyday situations. Emphasis on pronunciation and intonation continues throughout this level.

    By the end of this course, you should be able to read and write Arabic script with little effort and handle your daily needs in Moroccan Arabic.

    Contact Us
  • Bridge across river to ancient Moroccan town of mud-brick houses

    The Bridge

    The Bridge is a 30 session course (45 hours) made up of different stories and dialogues designed to help you consolidate the vocabulary and grammar learned in Salam 1 and 2. This course will prepare you to enter Salam 3 more smoothly, where you will enter the intermediate level of Moroccan Arabic.

    The Bridge includes topics such as how to make Moroccan tea and tea drinking habits, shopping in the old city, and visiting a Moroccan home. You will also become acquainted with Juha, a legendary figure across North Africa, known for his funny and clever exploits.

    Contact Us
  • Minaret of a mosque seen through an archway

    Salam 3

    Salam 3 is the first course of the intermediate level of Moroccan Arabic. This course contains five modules of 10 or 20 sessions. At this point in your Moroccan Arabic study, practice outside of class becomes increasingly important. This is also a good point to begin Modern Standard Arabic courses.

    Salam 3 includes a wide range of topics including professional and practical life, Moroccan culture and traditions, Juha stories, and the Lifecycle Series, which covers birth, marriage, death, and important religious holidays.

    With Salam 3, you will continue to strengthen your grammar, expand your vocabulary, and increase your confidence in speaking Moroccan Arabic. Beginning with this course, new vocabulary is explained in simplified Arabic instead of translated definitions.

    Contact Us
  • A staircase in an old Medina where everything is painted blue, even the stairs

    Salam 4

    Salam 4 is the beginning of the advanced level of Moroccan Arabic. The focus of this course is to increase listening comprehension and conversational abilities so that you can successfully contribute to a discussion between Moroccans and be naturally included in their conversations.

    The modules of Salam 4 can be taken in any order:

    Conversations - Ten topics from Moroccan culture and current affairs are introduced by a short text, and then followed by a series of questions.

    Videos - You will watch videos of real Moroccan TV-shows and discuss them with your teacher to practice listening to Moroccans speaking at normal speed and with their everyday vocabulary, idioms, and expressions.

    Prophets - The major prophets of Islam are introduced as presented in the Qur'an. This module will help you understand the widely used religious vocabulary.

    Contact Us

  • Learning Moroccan Darrija with the Salam curriculum gave me the essentials to live comfortably as a foreigner in Morocco. So many of the frustrations of daily life in a new culture (even in your own culture) occur because of miscommunications, be they linguistic or cultural. The Salam curriculum builds in cultural knowledge as well as the language mechanics and practice to understand Moroccans and to make yourself understood by them. Regular sessions with the teachers at Crossroads Cultural Exchange also gave me a space to process my new experiences with a Moroccan. By the end of my first year taking courses, I felt like I could confidently navigate daily needs and travel in Morocco. By the end of my second year, finishing the Salam materials and working through additional courses, I had a language foundation for work life and real friendships which has allowed me to live a rich and fulfilling life in Morocco. I often refer back to the Salam materials to refresh my memory about specific vocabulary or expressions when I get invited to a cultural or family event. Moroccans are often amazed that I know just the right phrase for the right situation. That's largely thanks to the Salam curriculum and the teachers at Crossroads.

    —Jeff

  • I have studied with Crossroads Cultural Exchange for the past year and a half and have enjoyed my time learning Darija. The classes are well structured with books that guide you through the language. I have found it so helpful to have assigned homework in between classes as well as prepared audio and vocabulary cards for self-study. I have always been nervous to study language with the fear of making mistakes, but have felt so comfortable in the learning environment (even over Zoom) established by the teachers.

    —Heather

  • Crossroads Cultural Exchange has been so helpful in my pursuit of language and cultural learning! Their curriculum is very easy to follow and the teachers are excellent. After a short time, I was able to learn to read and write in Arabic and am continuing my journey in learning Darija. I am now able to navigate different circumstances because of the language foundation I have learned through CCE. I am excited to continue learning and growing in language with CCE as my support. 

    —Crystal

  • From my personal experience, Crossroads Cultural Exchange has one of the most complete programs for the learning of Moroccan Darija online, because the program includes the books in Spanish, audio recordings, and additional material. Additionally, the private teacher is well-trained and very prepared. 100% recommended!

    —José

  • The teachers have been so patient as I learned at a slower speed, as they understand I live outside Morocco. I appreciate how interactive and practical the material is, and how clearly they communicate grammar, vocabulary, and cultural expressions in the context of stories and dialogues. 

    —Anne

  • I can only strongly recommend this school; it gives me a unique opportunity to learn the language of my paternal family, Moroccan Arabic. It couldn’t be more flexible with highly qualified and experienced teachers that adapt to your schedule every week. Also with texts and support that cover all topics of conversation and grammar. I could not study in this way anywhere else. I enjoy specially the fact that they offer individual lessons.

    —Yassin

  • I have loved studying at CCE! I studied Darija in person with them in Fez for 1.5 years and now have started to study Fossha with them, online. Consistent classes with CCE have truly helped me reach my language goals! The teachers are all incredibly qualified and lessons with them are a good mix of engaging, challenging, and enjoyable! I highly recommend taking language lessons with CCE if you hope to live and work in Morocco. 

    —Emily

Oral Proficiency Assessment

Crossroads Cultural Exchange offers an Oral Proficiency Assessment in Moroccan Arabic (Darija). The OPA is a valid and reliable means of assessing how well a person speaks a language. It evaluates the ability to use language effectively and appropriately in real-life situations.

Student at a desk writing on a pice of paper

Try a language session for free. Please contact us to schedule a trial online or in-person at our center in Fes.

Schedule Now
Related Articles
Should You Learn Moroccan Arabic or Modern Standard Arabic?

The local dialect of Arabic in Morocco is called Darija (الدارجة), which means “everyday, colloquial language.” Modern Standard Arabic (MSA/Fossha), which is the international Arabic language, is used in writing and in official communication, but often feels somewhat artificial, or stuffy, because people don’t actually speak MSA.

Read More →
Five Reasons Fes is the Best Place to Study Darija

The people of Fes are known for their clear pronunciation and purity of language. When traveling or studying in other parts of Morocco, you will encounter regional words, phrases, and pronunciations specific to that region. Amidst the regionalisms of the country, Fes stands out as the place where regionalisms are fewer, and your language abilities acquired in the city will be understood wherever you travel in the country.

Read More →
Most Asked Questions about Learning Moroccan Arabic

Darija is the local dialect of Arabic in Morocco. Darija means “everyday, colloquial language” and therefore has connotations of informality, mostly used in casual conversations. Moroccan Darija shares an estimated 70-75% of its vocabulary with Modern Standard Arabic (MSA).

Read More →
Three Reasons Morocco is a Great Place to Study Language

A week of my life in Morocco rarely goes by without a Moroccan asking me about how I have learned Moroccan Arabic. People are always surprised and awed that I have learned the local language here. In other countries, local people would perhaps not be as impressed that foreigners have learned the language, but in Morocco, people are always amazed and excited by this.

Read More →
About Moroccan Arabic

Understanding the Arabic dialect spoken in Morocco is a worthwhile challenge, but another challenge is understanding the many questions that arise out of these language studies. What is Darija? Why is Moroccan Arabic considered a dialect, and what is the difference between it and other Arabic languages?

Read More →
Language in Morocco

Moroccans tend to speak and understand a variety of languages. Moroccan Arabic (Darija) is the most prevalent spoken language in Morocco, which is technically a dialect of the Arabic language. Modern Standard Arabic, or Fossha, is literary Arabic that is used in writing and in official communication. Hassaniya Arabic is the dialect spoken in the southern part of the county.

Read More →