Salam: Speak Moroccan Darija

Hello, dear listeners! I hope you are all doing well. I am excited to finally share with you a conversation I promised you weeks ago about Moroccan mothers, women’s labor, and the changing expectations of women in Moroccan society.

My guest today is Ustadha Fatima Zahra, my former Arabic teacher and an instructor of Modern Standard Arabic and Darija at the Arab American Language Institute in Morocco (AALIM) in Meknes, Morocco.

In this episode, we talk about the importance of mothers in Moroccan culture, including the images of Moroccan soccer players embracing their mothers after a match, such as during this summer’s World Cup. Ustadha Fatima Zahra, a working mother, shares her perspective on the expectations placed on Moroccan women, how those expectations shape family life, and how they are changing as more women pursue careers outside the home.

We also explore the idea of domestic work as an expression of love. When cooking, cleaning, caring for children, and managing a household are understood primarily as acts of love and a duty, it can become difficult to recognize them as labor. Finally, we discuss how movements within Moroccan society and government are challenging unpaid domestic labor and calling for greater recognition, including legal rights.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions after listening. To follow the podcast and learn more about my Arabic journey, Darija, and life in Morocco, you can find me on Instagram @salamzinazwina.

Here are some of the important vocabulary that you will be hearing in this week’s episode: 

دور/أدوار- Role/roles

كيساهموا في- They contribute to 

كأس العالم - World cup

كيعنق ماماه و كيبوسها -He hugs his mother and kisses her

رمز- Symbol

الرسول صلى عليه وسلم وصى على الأم قبل الأب  The Prophet, peace be upon him, commaded good treatment and companionship to the mother before the father

الجنة تحت أقدام الأمهات -Heaven is under the feet of mothers 

الإنسان خصه يكون مرضي مع الأم دياله- A person has to be in a good relationship with his mother

مقدسة-Holy

الأساس ديال العائلة -The foundation of the family

الأب كيكون مسؤول على ماهو مادي- The father is responsible financially

التربية-  Upbringing 

حتى كيشد التقاعد- Until he retires 

كاتهلا في - She takes care of 

ربة البيت- Housewife or homemaker

ما غديش تفكر في رأسها هي الأولى - She will not think of herself first 

ماشي نيشان- Not directly

مع هاد الجيل كيتبدل - This generation is changing

الأفعال أهم من الكلمات-Actions are more important than words, actions speak louder than words

توكّل أولادها هم الأولين وعاد تأكل هي - She feeds her children before she eats

الحب شي مرات كيعمينا - Love sometimes blinds us 

الاعتراف- Recognition 

مفششين - Spoiled

أنانيين - Selfish

الواجب ديالك- Your duty 

إضافي/ة- Additional 

كيتوقعو هي غتكون حادكة - They expect her to be resourceful and highly skilled in skills related to homemaking  

طلع ليا الدم -My blood went up, or I got really angry/fed up with

إحصائيات - Statistics 

الشقا حتى هو الخدمة - Even housework is work

الخدمة غير مرئية - Invisible labor

الطلاق -Divorce

طلقت- She divorced

رعاية الأطفال- Child Care

بزز عليها  -Complusary, forced on her  

العقلية ديال الناس - The mentality of people

خص يكون التعاون -There has to be cooperation

Salam, listeners! I hope you are all doing well. I am sorry I disappeared last week. I was not feeling well, but alhamdulillah, I am doing much better now and am excited to share a new episode with you all!

In this episode, I speak with my former (but forever) host sister, Oumaima. Oumaima is an English teacher who was born and raised in the Old City of Marrakech. She loves her city and especially enjoys sharing its culture with visitors from both inside and outside of Morocco.

Together, we talk about why Oumaima loves Marrakech and what makes her proud to call herself Marrakechia. We dive into the everyday culture of the city — from motorbikes and Moroccan jokes to crowded streets and the constant presence of tourists. We also talk about what it’s like to live in one of Morocco’s most touristy cities and the parts of Marrakech that tourists may never see.

We also talk about Oumaima’s experience hosting international students and how, even when their stays are short, they can become a part of the family. For Oumaima, welcoming students into her home has created relationships that last far beyond their time in Marrakech, something I know personally from my time living with her family. We talk about what it means to open your home to someone from another country and how those experiences can shape the way you understand both your home and the people who become a part of it.

To receive updates on the podcast and learn more about my Arabic journey, Darija, and Moroccan culture, you can follow me on Instagram @salamzinazwina. I would also be happy to hear your thoughts and answer any questions about today’s episode.

Here are some of the important words and expressions used in this episode:

تبادل لغوي و ثقافي- Language and cultural exchange 

قلب المدينة القديمة -The heart of the old city

في ديك الساعة - At that time

كل مدينة في المغرب كيكون عنادها واحد طعم- Every city in Morocco has it's own flavor

مراض بالدقة- Sick with asthma

كتپارتاجيها - You share it 

سائح/سياح- Tourist/Tourists

سياحة -Tourism

صورة نمطية - Stereotype

فكاهين- Comedians

الطرائف ديال مراكش و طرائف ديال بلادك-The jokes of Marrakech and the jokes of your country

طريقة احترافية - In a professional way

كيحببوك في مدينتهم- They welcome you to their city 

باش تعودي تيجي - so you keep returning

ثقافة ديال الموطور- Motorbike culture

أزقة ضيقين - Tight alleyways

الشجاعة - Courage

رياض/رياضات -Riad

كنت كنستقبل عندي طلبة- I used to host students

كيمشيو دئما بالبكاء- They always leave crying

واحد عنصر من العائلة ديالنا - A part of our family

منين كايحلو عينيهم - From when they open their eyes

الأجواء- Environement/vibes

طريقة سطحية - Surface level

ضروري أنهم يتختشاو وسط عائلة مغربية- They have to live in a Moroccan family 

حديقة الحيوانات - Zoo

كتكوني فشيشكل عليهم - You appear strange to them

فاخرة/ فخورة - Proud

كنبين كوني مراكشية -I demonstrate my Marrakechi identity

طريقة غير مباشرة - Indirectly 

فين تزدينا وفين كبرنا - Where we were born and grew up

ما يمكنش توصف - You cannot describe

داك الحنين وداك الشوق - That nostalgia and longing

Salam, dear listeners! I hope you are all doing well. In this episode, I welcome back my friend Ustadha Raja for the second part of our conversation. Ustadha Raja is a Fulbright alumna and an Arab Literature, Language, and Culture Instructor at the Judy Genshaft Honors College at the University of South Florida. She is also the founder and director of Arabic Khatawwat(Steps), an Arabic language and culture program. 

We continue where we left off last week, and Raja shares how the experience of living between Morocco and the U.S. for the last 15 years inspired her to create Khatawaat study abroad, a linguistic and cultural immersion program based in Morocco. Raja reveals how bringing students to Morocco has allowed her to see Morocco through new eyes and given her a new understanding of her country. Additionally, she shares some of the methods she uses to immerse students in Moroccan local life, such as welcoming them to her family gatherings, banning shopping for the first few days of the program, and encouraging students to become independent (including learning how to fix their phones in Morocco and make their own photocopies!) We discuss how her approach to language learning helps students to become members of a community and leave with a fuller understanding of Morocco. 

Raja organizes summer study abroad through Arabic Khatawaat in Morocco every year, so if you are interested in participating in the unique experiences (plus more surprises!) that we discussed today, then I would highly encourage you to check it out. In the meantime, Arabic Khatawaat is currently accepting applicants for virtual fall language and cultural classes. Classes are available for Arabic learners of all levels. To learn more and register, you can visit www.arabickhatawaat.com. 

To receive updates on the podcast and learn more about my Arabic journey, Darija, and Moroccan culture, you can follow me on Instagram @salamzinazwina. I would also be happy to hear your thoughts and answer any questions about today’s episode.

Here are some of the words and expressions featured in this episode: 

المحيط ديالي والبيئة ديالي  - My surroundings and my environment

استثناءات-Exceptions

زعفانة -Angry/upset 

 فين تمشي فين تجي-Geographical awareness, street smarts

جيتي عاود تاني- You are here again, here in a joking/ sarcastic context

ماشي غير الهضرة- It is not just talk 

كان خاسر لها التليفون ديالها - Her phone was broken or not working  

عن القصد  - Intentionally 

خليتها تغذب - I let her struggle

التفاعل -Interaction 

حوارات محدودة- Limited conversations

ما كتهمنش- It does not pertain to me or interest me

العقلية- Mentality 

الواعي - Awareness

كينغامس- To immerse

كنشرط على رأسي - I set a rule or condition

خلي فلوسكم في جيبكم - Save your money, or I'll pay for it 

غادي نهرس لكم البرنامج-  I am going going to break the schedule 

الوقت الزمني ديال الثقافة- Culture timeline 

طريقة تلقائية - Spontaneous way

لهجات مختلفة ولكنات مختلفة - Different dialects and accents 

 تخاصمات و تصالحات- She has lived many different emotional experiences  

الجرأة- Bravery/Boldness/Courage 

القابلية-Capability 

كفوئ- Comptent 

كتزعزع- To shake/ agitate /to stir up 

حافز- Motivation

الذنب  - Guilt

خديت راحتي معاك- I made myself comfortable or at home with you

Hello, dear listeners! I hope you are doing well. I first need to apologize because I shared in the last episode that today’s episode would focus on the Moroccan mom, but unfortunately we were not able to record this conversation this week. I hope, however, to share it with you in the near future.

Today, I am joined by a new, special guest, Ustadha Raja. Ustadha Raja is a Fulbright alumna and an Arab Literature, Language, and Culture Instructor at the Judy Genshaft Honors College at the  University of South Florida. She is also the founder and director of Arabic Khatawwat(Steps), an Arabic language and culture program. A former Fulbright participant in the U.S., Ustadha Raja has experienced life in both Morocco and the United States and has spent the past 15 years navigating these two cultures.

This episode is the first part of a two part conversation with Ustadha Raja. In this episode she shares her experience immigrating to the U.S. and what it means to maintain Moroccan roots while building a life abroad. We explore what it means to be Moroccan abroad, and whether you really have to choose between two worlds. The second part of the conversation will be coming next week, inchallah! 

If you are interested in studying Arabic language and culture virtually this fall with Ustadha Raja, Arabic Khatawaat is currently accepting applications for fall enrollment. Classes are available for Arabic learners of all levels. If you have been wanting to commit to Arabic, then I highly recommend you check out the program. To learn more and register, you can visit www.arabickhatawaat.com. 

To receive updates on the podcast and learn more about my Arabic journey, Darija, and Moroccan culture, you can follow me on Instagram @salamzinazwina. I would also be happy to hear your thoughts, comments, and answer any questions about today’s episode.

Here are the some important words and expressions that you will hear in this episode: 

ما سخيتش- When you get used to something, and you don't want to let it go or move on

برا البلاد- Outside the country/ homeland 

غادي ترجعيني -You are going to take me back

منغمسة في الثقافة - Immersed in the culture

موجة الأحاسيس - A wave of emotions

تحاورت مع - I conversed with

كنعشق بلادي- I love/adore my country  

تماسك اجتماعي قوي -Strong social cohesion

سمعة مزيانة -  Good reputation

سفير/ة/سفراء ثقافيين-  (Cultural Ambassador (masculine, feminine, and plural  

مواطن/ة/ين العالم- (Global citizen (masculine, feminine, plural

خصني نتأقلم - I have to adjust

بلا ما تعذبي رأسك -Don't bother

البركة -Blessing

روحانية-Spiritual

موحشين - We miss 

لمة العائلة- Family gathering 

وتيرة الحياة -Pace of life 

استقرار اجتماعي -Social stability

على سلامتك - Thank God for your safety  

ولد الحومة- Resident /local /son of the neighborhood 

ضروري يدير الواحد مجهود- It is necessary for someone to make an effort 

بحث اجتماعي - Networking /social research

Welcome back to Salam: Speak Moroccan Darija!In this episode, I am once again talking with my former Arabic teacher, Ustadha Fatima Zahra, who teaches Modern Standard Arabic and Darija at the Arab American Language Institute in Morocco (AALIM) in Meknes, Morocco. 

In this episode we discuss Moroccan families. We touch on changes to Moroccan families in the past few decades while continuing to uphold values such as caring for elders, respecting parents, and making collective decisions. Fatima Zahra also shares her perspective on communication within the home, and why the questions Moroccan parents ask often come from a place of love and concern rather than control.

To receive updates on the podcast and learn more about my Arabic journey, Darija, and Moroccan culture, you can follow me on Instagram @salamzinazwina. I would also be happy to hear your thoughts, comments, and answer any questions about today’s episode. Bs7a!

Here are some important words and expressions that you will be hearing in this episode: 

مشترك/ة- Shared

صلة الرحم- The ties of the womb/maintaining familial relationships 

بلا ما تشاور-Without consulting 

نقنعوهم - We convince them

العائلة النووية- Nuclear family

دار العجزة- Nursing home

حشومة- Shame

تربيت- I grew up/or I was raised 

المصالح ديالك- Self interests

الرضا د الوالدين- Satisfaction of parents/ pleasing one's parents 

الله يرضى عليك- - Blessing of approval -May God be pleased with you

التضحية- Sacrifice 

ربي غيعوضني- God will compensate/make it up for me

كيساندوك- They support you 

الله يكمل بالخير-    May God complete it with good/ may it turn out well 

ما كتسيطرش عليك- It does not control you

بلاصة شعبية - Working-class neighborhood or a local spot not usually visited by foreigners

كيتجسسوا - They spy  

كيصوني-He calls

الناس حجر وطوب- People are stones and bricks / there are good and bad people everywhere  

Welcome to the first episode of Salam: Speak Moroccan Darija!In this episode, I welcome my former Arabic teacher turned friend, Ustada Fatima Zahra, who teaches Modern Standard Arabic and Darija at the Arab American Language Institute in Morocco (AALIM) in Meknes, Morocco. 

In this episode, we discuss my expectations before arriving in Morocco, including what she wishes more students knew before coming. We also explore the realities of Moroccan food, weather, social life, and community, including how to master Moroccan social etiquette with swab. Together we reflect on the importance of relationships, maintaining your social battery, how to handle curiosity as a foreigner in Morocco, and what it means to find your place in a new culture.

To receive updates on the podcast and learn more about my Arabic journey, Darija, and Moroccan culture, you can follow me on Instagram @salamzinazwina. I would also be happy to hear your thoughts, comments, and answer any questions about today’s episode. Bs7a!

Here are some important words and expressions that you will be hearing in this episode: 

المفردات المهمة: 

توقع/توقعات -Expectation/expectations

تقبلوا الاختلافات -They accepted the differences

تجربة -Experience 

نية صافية-Pure intention 

غنحشم- I will be embarassed

 حشمان/ة/ين- Shy

الله يخلف - May God replenish, used to express thanks and that you are full 

التنوع- Diversity

السلام كيبدأ فاش كتسالي التوقعات - Peace begins when expectations end

الصدمة - Shock

الجسم ديالي كيتلصق - My body was sticky

الزليج- Tiles or mosaics

خدمات اجتماعية- Social services

علاقات موروثة- Inherited relationships

حاجز- Barrier

خصك دخل راسك- You have to push yourself/ take initiative 

بطارية اجتماعية طالعة- High social battery 

خصني نتفاعل - I have to interact

اللى عنده فمه ما كيتلف - He who has a mouth does not get lost

ما فيه حتى شيء عيب- There is no shame

صواب -Politeness, good manners, social etiquette 

فضولية- Curiosity 

فضولي/ة- Curious

Salam 3lykum, and Mar7ba bikum to this new podcast, Salam: Speak Moroccan Darija.

Below is an English translation of the episode you will be hearing in Arabic.

This podcast is for intermediate to advanced learners of Moroccan Darija.

In each episode, you'll hear a conversation between me, Zina, and another Darija speaker.

I've been studying Arabic for seven years. When I began learning Darija in 2024, after studying other Arabic dialects, I realized that there still were not many good resources available for people who wanted to learn Moroccan Darija. I searched and searched for podcasts and listening materials that were appropriate for my level, but I couldn't find much. I told myself that someday, when I had learned Darija, I would have a responsibility to create something useful and help other learners like me.

I've lived in Morocco and studied both Modern Standard Arabic and Darija, but I know that my language isn't perfect. I am still learning, and sometimes I make mistakes, but I speak with people anyway. I do not wait until my language is perfect before I participate and share my voice. And, inshallah, through this platform, I hope to encourage you to do the same: to speak, participate, and join the conversation without fear.

Arabic has given me so many wonderful friends, and I am so excited for you to meet them. In each episode, they will share their stories and experiences, teach me new words and expressions, and correct me when I make mistakes. Before we begin our conversation, I'll introduce some important vocabulary at the beginning of each episode, along with the English translations, to help you follow along.

From the very beginning of my Arabic journey, the most important thing has always been connecting with people and building relationships. Through my new friends, Arabic has expanded my world and helped me understand the world, other people, and myself on a deeper level.

I believe that learning a new language, any language and not just Arabic, is a step toward world peace. The word salam was one of the first words I learned in Arabic, and it represents the very beginning of every conversation with everyone in Arabic. It is a greeting that opens the door to connecting with someone else. That is why I chose it as the name of this podcast.

I hope that Salam encourages you to learn and speak Darija, and through the language, to listen to the stories of others, recognize yourself in their experiences, and see the humanity in everyone.

A special thanks to the talented Anas Khermoui for our music "Salamo."