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Learning Moroccan Arabic

Learning Moroccan Arabic

Learning Moroccan dialectical Tashlheet

Tamazight Dictionary: Tamazight - English and English - Tamazight
 

Moroccan Arabic (Darija) Textbook. 2017 version.

Moroccan Arabic (Darija) Textbook. 2011. Peace Corps/Morocco, led by Training Manager Abderrahmane Boujenab, substantially revised in 2004 lessons from the Peace Corps’ 1994 Moroccan Arabic book by Abdelghani Lamnanouar, rewrote some lessons completely and added new material to arrive at the 2004 edition. Language instructors Aicha Ait Cherif, Malika Boukbout, Mohamed Mahmoudi and Abdellah Ouhmouch contributed. Layout and design was by Morocco RPCV Stephen Menicucci.

In 2011 the book was republished is available here in PDF (26mb) and zipped (20mb). Associated audio files (very large 426mb file).

The Darija Technical Booklet for environment volunteers (43 pages) provides dialogues, vocabulary and translations to support thier work.

The Darija Technical Booklet for health volunteers (43 pages) provides dialogues, vocabulary and translations to support thier work.

Trainees use the manual with their LCFs during the PST and with their tutors at their sites. Its competency-based approach made it a reliable tool in learning the basics and survival Moroccan Arabic dialect in some weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapters of the 194 page 2004 version of the manual are available from the FOM website. Thanks to volunteer, Bill Day.

A copy of the entire 2004 textbook in MS Word is available for download in zip (2,321 kb) and native form (7,433 kb).   Complete PDF file (5 mb) of the entire textbook, with illustrations, zipped and suitable for download. Users of this information should credit Peace Corps Morocco.

On a related note, Bab Dar is the Peace Corps Morocco produced phrase book for Moroccan dialectical Arabic. FOM has permission to also transcribe it to the web. The volunteer needs a scanner and skills with word processing/OCR or web software to copy the pages and to work the images/text into a downloadable document or a set of web pages. Contact timresch@gmail.com if you have the skills, equipment and interest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Basic Course in Moroccan Arabic
Richard S. Harrell, with Mohammed Abu-Talib, William S. Carroll, Foreword by Margaret Nydell
$27.50  ISBN: 0878403876LC: 2002033909 Book (Paperback) 6 x 9 416 pages June 2003

A Basic Course is a textbook in spoken Moroccan Arabic written for beginners—those who do not know the Arabic language or alphabet. Written in Latinate transcription for this reason, it is carefully designed to present vocabulary and grammatical points in a useful, cumulative order. After completion of the course, the user will have learned all of the essential information about the structure of Moroccan Arabic and be prepared to continue through real-life practice.

Each of the 130 lessons consists of a text where a small number of phrases and sentences illustrate grammatical points, grammatical notes that provide an explanation of new grammatical material introduced in the text, exercises and drills of new grammar and vocabulary, and vocabulary lists of the new words introduced in each lesson. Each lesson leads the student to a thorough understanding of the structure of Moroccan Arabic

The course also offers 97 short, conversational dialogs that challenge the student in a variety of social situations. Eleven remastered audio CDs are also available for this course (sold separately, see link below). First published by GUP in 1962, this book has not been superceded. It stands out for its accessibility to students of Arabic language but also to those ambitious travelers headed to Morocco for business or pleasure.

Of Related Interest:
A Basic Course in Moroccan Arabic: Compact Discs for A Basic Course in Moroccan Arabic
A Short Reference Grammar of Moroccan Arabic with Audio CD
A Basic Course in Moroccan Arabic MP3 Files: Audio Exercises

 

  • Moroccan Arabic - a practical guide to learning Moroccan Darija - the Arabic dialect of Morocco (2nd edition) By Aaron Sakulich Rajae Khaloufi, Editor George F Roberson, Publisher and Project Director.
    A straight-forward and easy to use primer for the beginner – and now expanded and improved in this new 2nd edition. It incorporates both reader suggestions and grammatical refinements contributed by Abdennebi Elhaloui at the Arabic Language Institute in Fez (ALIF). It features: more details on the transliteration system; additional words; new word lists; and the text has been extended 20+ pages and has been completely revised and re-edited.

     
  • Moroccan Arabic Verb Dictionary (English-Moroccan Arabic) Second Edition

    Edited by: El Haloui Abdennebi & Steve Bowman
    Copyright November 2011 by Artisanal Treasures – Printed in the United States of America
    ISBN: 97806150530796 E-mail: contactus@artisanaltreasures.com Telephone: 1-717-431-8888

    This dictionary is a comprehensive resource on English meanings of Moroccan Arabic verbs and their usage. It is the first reference book of its kind and is an indispensable resource for every Moroccan Arabic learner. This 748 page hard bound dictionary contains over 3500 main English verb entries and expressions with their corresponding up-to-date Moroccan Arabic verbs written in fully vowelled Arabic script. Sub-entries under each main verb include adjectives, adverbs, derivatives of the main verb, and nouns associated with the main verb.  Most entries have sentences to help clarify the meaning for proper usage. 

    For more information and for ordering individual or wholesale quantities you can go to http://artisanaltreasures.ipower.com/store/index.html.  We ship to anywhere in North America and most international destinations.  This reference book is a must for every student wanting to become more fluent in Moroccan Arabic or to facilitate ESL students who are native Moroccan Arabic speakers. 
     

  • Speak Moroccan helps you learn some basic expressions needed on a daily basis, as well as some easy grammar tips. So whether you’re going to Morocco for holidays, a business trip, or just intending to impress your Moroccan friends, our website is what you are looking for!
     

  • Moroccan Arabic Vocabulary explores the etomology and meaning(s) of Moroccan Arabic words
     

  •  Speak Moroccan Forums: The tri-lingual forum for Moroccan Arabic, Moroccan Darija, Morocco and the Maghreb - Le forum de l'arabe marocain, de la darija marocaine, du Maroc et du Maghreb
     

  • Wikipedia on Moroccan Arabic, also known as Darija, is the language spoken in the Arabic-speaking areas of Morocco, as opposed to the official communications of governmental and other public bodies which use Modern Standard Arabic, as is the case in most Arabic-speaking countries, while a mixture of French and Moroccan Arabic is used in Business. It is within the Maghreb Arabic dialect continuum.
     

  • Lonely Planet Moroccan Arabic Phrasebook (Lonely Planet Moroccan Arabic Phrasebook) by Dan Bacon, Bichr Andjar
     

  • SpeakMoroccan is dedicated to people wishing to learn the Moroccan dialect -Darija- of Arabic and especially meant for English speakers at this first stage. The website will help one learn some basic expressions needed on a daily basis, as well as some easy grammar tips. So whether you’re going to Morocco for holidays, a business trip, or just willing to impress your Moroccan friends, this website may be just what you are looking for. They also have a new-born forum, for Darija learners to write in, interact with other learners and ask their questions.
     

  • Darija God Phrases
     

  • North African Maghrebi Arabic by Memrise Several courses of various lengths but also including amazigh-language-1 and tifinagh-alphabet
     

Arabic schools in Morocco

  • A Guide to Learning Arabic in Morocco by MarocMama
     
  • The Safir Company is proud to offer a variety of quality cross-cultural programs.
    For Expats in Morocco, we offer classes in Arabic and Tamazight. For Moroccans, we offer a University Counseling Program that connects students with American Counselors who help them successfully apply to universities in the USA, UK and elsewhere.The Safir Company is the fruit of partnership between Peace Corps returned volunteers and very skilled Moroccan teachers. At the Safir we offer quality teaching in Moroccan Arabic based on language structure and students learning style. we also offer Classes in Modern standard Arabic for non-Arabic speakers. To contact us directly, simply call or text +212 666 69 95 40 or email thesafircompany@gmail.com.

     
  • The Moroccan Center for Arabic Studies engages in education year round. With four terms relative to the Seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter, each can last up to three months and curriculum includes Modern Standard Arabic, Colloquial Moroccan Arabic as well as calligraphy. Volunteer placements for anyone willing to dedicate their time with children, orphans and more. Located in Avenue Laalou. Second floor-10. Rabat Morocco. +212 06 01 382 536.
     
  • Subul Assalam Centre for the Arabic Language is a language school located in Fez. SACAL's programme focuses on using Arabic instruction as a means for cross-cultural dialogue and communication. In addition to a full curriculum of Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Moroccan Arabic courses, SACAL offers a selection of English-language courses on Islam and Morocco.
     
  • Colloquial Moroccan Arabic at the Arabic Language Institute in Fez
     
  • Learn Arabic in Morocco in Fez with CESA Languages Abroad
     
  • Arabic and North African Studies Program (ARANAS) at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane Morocco. The Arabic language component is an intensive program involving up to 190 contact hours. In fact, a diligent student, willing to devote himself or herself to preparing and attending the full morning of classes, and then completing homework assignments, can realistically hope to achieve one full academic year of Arabic language by successfully completing the summer program. Students will experience learning Arabic not only in class and through homework, but also through interaction with students, instructors and staff at the university as well as others outside the university in the community of Ifrane. Immersion activities include information-gathering assignments and reports in Arabic on projects involving the local community.
     
  • Arab American Language Institute in Morocco (AALIM) offers both year-long programs and intensive summer study (4 to 12 weeks) in Arabic language in Meknes. The language program is supplemented by a rich cultural component (lectures, workshops, outings, trips, etc.). Students may participate on an individual basis or AALIM can custom-design a program for your group of students, and even run the program under your institution's name. AALIM also offers cultural discovery programs, educational tourism with no academic credit or prerequisites. You can see a short introductory video about the summer language programs. AALIM is also able to organize conferences, workshops, seminars or meetings for your organization or institution.
     
  • Arabic Studies in Marrakech: Two to six-week courses in all levels of Modern Standard Arabic and colloquial Moroccan Arabic throughout the year.
    JCM BP 775 Gueliz Principal 40000, Marrakech,Morocco
    Phone: +212 670 962 757 info@igomorocco.com

     
  • http://www.studyarabicmarrakech.com
     
  • Qalam wa Lawh is a lovely school in Rabat, Morocco, which offers an excellent curriculum in Colloquial Moroccan Arabic as well as Modern Standard Arabic. Contact J. Malaika Freeland, Director of Programs Qalam wa Lawh 31 Rue Qadi Ben Hamadi Essenhaji Souissi, Rabat, Morocco.  In Morocco 212 (37) 75-57-90.  In the USA (703) 349-1458
     
  • Arabic Language & Cultural Immersion Programs in Morocco at Dar Loughat a professional language center in Tetuoan, Morocco providing intensive courses in all levels of Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Moroccan Arabic throughout the year. Through various immersion and language exchange activities, Dar Loughat provides its students daily contact with Moroccan life, allowing them to expand their vocabulary, improve their spoken language performance and better understand the local culture. Tel. ++212-6666-877-88 Fax.++212-5397-112-40 info@cclc-morocco.org
     

Arabic language web-sites

  • Arabic For Dummies part of the popular Dummies series published by John Wiley & Sons and written by Moroccan-American Author Amine Bouchentouf. At 408 pages, it is designed for folks who want to discover Modern Standard Arabic and associated culture in a fun and interactive way. Companion web site is http://www.al-baab.com
     
  • Arabic: A Complete Course, published by Random House, by Moroccan-American Amine Bouchentouf. If you're an intermediate or advanced student, it is the perfect book to help you master the fundamentals of the language. Explore over 270 pages of material that contain hundreds of vocabulary words, realistic sample dialogues, and in-depth and easy-to-understand grammar lessons. Discover new phrases and conversations by listening to more than 3 hours of recorded conversation on 3 CDs, and learn new vocabulary with the help of an invaluable 2-way glossary! Available in bookstores everywhere, including Amazon.comBarnes & Noble, and the Forbes Book ClubArabic: A Complete Course is part of the best-selling Living Language series which has over 3 million in sales!
     
  • Babel: Arabic A comprehensive site for practice with reading, writing, listening, pronunciation for learners of Arabic. Links to cultural material and sites.
     
  • Learn Arabic Online Comprehensive online courses in classical Arabic and the Islamic sciences aimed at English speakers
     
  • Arabic2000.Com Arabic teaching software (The Arabic Tutor 2.1 CD) and Arabic online learning (free and paid online Arabic lessons); Arabic newspapers online, Arabic internet directories and search engines
     
  • Madinah Arabic provides a series of basic courses in Modern Standard Arabic, including an introduction to the Arabic alphabet. These lessons provide a good foundation for Classical and Modern Standard Arabic.
     
  • Arabic in Jordan Authentic, country-specific video, audio, and still images for use by language learners around the world. The material covers practical aspects of daily life needed by persons going to a country for the first time. The videos were shot by international students in their native countries. They are completely unscripted and reflect authentic linguistic usage including local dialects, colloquial grammar and figures of speech.
     
  • NYC Arabic Language & Culture Social Club
     
  • Washington DC Arabic Language & Culture Social Club

 

French language web-sites

  • French in Morocco
     
  • About.com French Language: Bonjour fellow French lovers, and welcome! I've been here since June 1999, developing the most thorough French language site in the world, including lessons and linguistics, classroom ideas, cultural info, and much more. Look around - you'll be happily surprised by the amount of info for students, teachers, and lovers of French.

 

Meta language web-sites

  • Freelanguage.org  resources for 12 languages (including Arabic, French and Spanish). This website documents and categorizes available resources for learning languages, including podcasts. Most of these are free resources, some are commercial. All are quality.