Essential Words And Phrases To Learn Before Visiting Morocco
Morocco is an exceptional African country with deep history, rich culture, and a thriving tourism industry. Visitors from all over the world troop into the country by the millions every year to experience its natural beauty firsthand. If you travel to Morocco or any other country in the world, it is essential to know a few words in the language of the country that you are visiting. This helps you to communicate well with the locals and blend seamlessly into the environment without giving off too much “tourism vibe”.
Morocco has a variety of dialects, however, Arabic is the most widely spoken language. Although the English Language is becoming increasingly popular in the country, especially among the younger generations, chances are that you will meet some people who do not understand much of the language. However, if you are here strictly for business and may not have time to blend with the locals, then rent luxury car Marrakech from a marketplace like OneClickDrive and have a chauffeur who will help you navigate the city and translate for you when needed. This way, you can focus on your business without having to bypass the stress of language barrier.
But if you are here as a tourist, then there are certain local words you need to know which are part of the Moroccan experience;
- Salam: The people in Morocco greet each other by saying Salam Alaykum or Salam for short which literally means “peace be upon you”. It is a unique way of saying Hi or Hello and a good conversation starter with the locals.
- Riad: A Riad is a traditional Moroccan door or palace which features an indoor garden and courtyard. A Riad may look quite simple from the outside but very sophisticated inside. Some may be inhabited by local families and others are used as accommodations for visitors like you and they offer outstanding traditional cuisine and a superb luxurious experience.
- Medina: A Medina is usually used to refer to an old part of a city or town and is found in many countries aside from Morocco. It typically contains narrow streets, fountains, palaces, and mosques. Morocco is home to numerous Medinas, seven of which are in the UNESCO world heritage.
- Souk: A Souk is a vibrant traditional marketplace which is prevalent throughout Morocco. They are usually very colorful, chaotic, and quite exotic as well. When you visit a Souk, you will first be greeted with the aroma of spices and baking bread mixed with the pungent smells of centuries-old tanners whole donkey brays and merchants call out in numerous languages.
- Kasbah: A Kasbah is an older type of Medina which could serve as a fortress. They are like small castles often built high up on the hills by a wealthy family or ruling king. There are hundreds of them in Morocco, some in ruins, inhabited, and others beautifully restored. One of the most famous Kasbahs in Morocco is the ancient Caravan route between Marakech and the Sahara.
- Hamam: A Hamam is a traditional bathhouse where you can visit when you want to relax and enjoy a rejuvenating experience. It is a place to unwind and cleanse your body and soul and it involves a luxury steam bath, an invigorating scrub, and a relaxing massage that will leave you refreshed and revitalized.
- Alhamdulillah: Since Morocco is predominantly an islamic country, you will often hear several phrases like “Alhamdulillah” which means “praise be to God”. It is often used as a way to express gratitude and acknowledge the blessings that life has to offer.
Conclusion
If you read and understand this article before embarking on your Moroccan journey, there are big chances that you will have a more seamless journey than expected. This is because you will not have to ask the question “what do you mean” everytime a local uses any of the words while speaking to you as they are quite common in the local dialect. Even when you wish to rent car Marrakech, greeting the supplier with the word “Salam” can even make your interaction smoother and more pleasant.
