Do People Speak English In Morocco? – Divulge

Suppose you’re planning a trip to Morocco. You might wonder, do people speak English in Morocco? The good news is that many Moroccans speak English, especially in the larger cities.

However, it’s always a good idea to learn some basic phrases in French or Arabic before you go. As these are the two most widely spoken languages in Morocco.

While some Moroccans speak English. It’s not the most commonly used language in the country. That said, you’ll still be able to get by with English in most situations.

In Morocco, the majority of people speak either Moroccan Arabic or French.

However, many people speak English, especially in urban areas.

Arabic is the official language of Morocco, but French and Berber are also widely used. English is not as widely spoken.

But you’ll still find people who can communicate in it, especially in tourist areas.

Modern Standard Arabic is usually used in media and government. While the majority speaks Moroccan Arabic of the population.

French is also widely spoken, as it was the lingua franca in Morocco during the colonial period.

In addition, Spanish is also spoken in some parts of the country. Especially near the border with Spain.

English is not an official language. But it is becoming increasingly common, especially among young people.

Morocco is a linguistically diverse country. The Moroccan people speak several languages.

According to Ethnologue, a total of eleven languages get spoken in Morocco.

These languages are shown in the table below.

According to a recent study, the percentage of English speakers in Morocco is rising.

The British Council’s study found that. English is now the country’s most widely spoken second language.

Despite the rise in English speakers, most Moroccans still do not speak the language.

Only about 15% of the population is proficient in English.

That means that visitors to Morocco will still need to learn some basic phrases in Arabic or French. So to communicate with locals.

Depending on which region of Morocco you are visiting. The percentage of English speakers may vary.

In general, however, English is not as widely spoken in Morocco as in other parts of the world.

The official language of Morocco is Arabic, but French is also commonly spoken.

You may find people who speak English in some tourist areas, but this is not always the case.

If you are planning to visit Morocco. Learning some basic French or Arabic phrases is advisable before your trip.

According to a study done by the British Council in 2015. 61% of Moroccans aged between 18 and 34 claims to be able to hold a conversation in English.

Interestingly, this is a significant increase from the previous generation.

According to the same study, only 38% of Moroccans aged between 35 and 49 say they can converse in English.

In recent years, the Moroccan government has made a concerted effort. To improve English language education in schools. Could this be having an impact?

Research suggests that the increased availability of English-language media may also play a role.

For example, a 2017 study found. That 63% of young Moroccans reported exposing themselves. To the English-language TV shows and movies weekly.

Compared to just 28% who said the same in 2006.

More and more young people are exposed to English outside of the classroom. It’s no surprise that proficiency levels are rising.

Around 15% of Moroccans speak English. Which is a pretty high percentage. Considering that English is not an official language in the country.

Road signs and public announcements are usually written in Arabic and French. But English is becoming more common.

1. Casablanca:

As Morocco’s largest city and business capital. It’s no surprise that English is widely spoken in Casablanca.

Casablanca has the best-developed tourist market. So it gets a lot of tourist traffic each year.

You’ll find that most locals that are in tourism. And the hospitality industry will be able to speak English with you.

2. Rabat:

The capital city of Rabat is another place where you’ll find many people speaking English. 

That is especially true in tourist areas near the Hassan Tower and Kasbah des Oudaïas.

3. Marrakech:

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Morocco. You’ll likely find someone who speaks English wherever you go in Marrakech.

So whether you’re looking for directions or want to chat with a local. There’s a good chance you’ll be able to do so in English.

4. Tangier:

Tangier has a long history of welcoming foreigners worldwide. As it is a major port city and a former international zone.

As a result, many residents of Tangier are fluent in languages. Aside from Arabic, including English.

In Morocco, English is gradually becoming more and more prevalent.

The Moroccan government has strongly emphasized learning English in the education system.

As a result, a growing number of Moroccans can speak the language.

However, English is not yet widely spoken outside of major cities. In rural areas and smaller towns, most people only speak Arabic or French.

There is no doubt that the number of English speakers in Morocco is rising.

That is due to several factors. Including the increasing popularity of English as a second language.

Plus, the growing number of English-language courses and programs available.

Also an increasing number of opportunities to use English in daily life.

However, it is important to remember that Morocco is a multilingual country.

So while English may be gaining ground, it is not the only language spoken here. French, Arabic, and Berber are all widely used.

You will likely hear a mix of all four languages when you are out and about.

Morocco is a north African country bordering the Atlantic and Mediterranean oceans.

Geographically, it’s only 8 miles from Europe. Historically the country has the influence of Arabs, Berbers, Europeans, and Africans.

Consequently, Morocco is a melting pot of cultures, customs, and cuisine.

Here are some tips for English speakers visiting Morocco

– Learn some basic phrases in French or Arabic before you go. A phrasebook can be helpful (try Lonely Planet phrasebooks).

So, If you are thinking of traveling or moving to Morocco. You must be wondering, do people in Morocco speak English?

English is not as widely spoken in Morocco as French or Arabic.

However, many people speak English. Especially in major tourist areas such as Marrakech and Fez.

So even if you don’t speak a lot of French or Arabic, you should be able to get by with just English in most situations.

But if you are planning on living there. Then learning Arabic or French would be helpful.