first consonant.
9.26.2008
Learn Moroccan - Time
To express time, we use the demonstrative pronoun hadi and the appropriate number with the definite article. This means that for 1:00, 5:00,10:00, and 11:00, we will use the letter "L" before the number, while for the others, we will double the
first consonant.
first consonant.
Learn Moroccan - Ordinal Numbers
For numbers 1 thru 12, there is a separate form for cardinal and ordinal numbers. From 13 on there is no difference between the cardinal and ordinal number.
Ordinal numbers act like adjectives, and therefore must agree in gender and number with the noun they describe. Listed are the masculine singular forms. To make the feminine form.
Ordinal numbers act like adjectives, and therefore must agree in gender and number with the noun they describe. Listed are the masculine singular forms. To make the feminine form.
Learn Moroccan - Numbers 1000, 2000, 3000 ...
The word for “thousand” has the singular form alf, the dual form alfayn, and the plural form alaf.
The plural form is used with the short form of the numbers 3 thru 10 from “3” thousand to “10” thousand. Then we return to the singular form (like we do for all Arabic nouns). Like the word for “hundred,” it is followed by “and” when the number is not an exact multiple of 1000. From 1000 onward:
The plural form is used with the short form of the numbers 3 thru 10 from “3” thousand to “10” thousand. Then we return to the singular form (like we do for all Arabic nouns). Like the word for “hundred,” it is followed by “and” when the number is not an exact multiple of 1000. From 1000 onward:
Learn Moroccan - Numbers
When we talk about numerals, we want to be able to do two things. First, we have to be able to count. That is, we have to learn our numbers. Second, we have to be able to use the numbers with objects. In other words, we have to be able to say things like “five apples” or “twenty-seven students” or “one hundred forty-three volunteers.”
In English, we never think of these two tasks separately. We simply use a number in combination with the plural form of some object. In Arabic, however, we have to learn how to combine different numbers with objects, sometimes using a plural form, sometimes a singular, sometimes with a letter in between the two, sometimes not. As in all things Arabic, what seems difficult now becomes natural with time.
Cardinal Numbers
Cardinal numbers refer to the normal numbers we use (one, two, three...). They are different than ordinal numbers (first, second, third...) and fractions (one-half, one-third, one-fourth...). For now, we start with the cardinal numbers. We will work with ordinal numbers and fractions later.
Numbers 1 thru 10
In Moroccan Arabic, there are two ways to combine the numbers 3 thru 10 with an object. We sometimes use the “full” or normal form of the number, and sometimes we use a “short” form of the number.
Here is a table listing the full form of numbers 1 thru 10 and the short form of numbers 3 thru 10.
Numbers 11 thru 19
Numbers 20, 30, 40 ... 99
For a multiple of ten (20, 30, 40 etc.) in Arabic, we simply use the name for that number, like in English. For numbers such as 21, 22, or 23, however, it is not like English. In Arabic, the “ones” digit is pronounced first, followed by the word “and,” then followed by the “tens” digit. For example, in Arabic
the number 21 is literally “one and twenty” while the number 47 is literally “seven and forty.” Also, remember that for the numbers 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82, and 92, we do not use juj. Rather, we use tnayn. Here is a list of the multiples of ten, with examples of numbers between each multiple:
Numbers 100, 200, 300 ... 999
The Arabic word for 100 is miya. For 200, there is a dual form of miyatayn. For 300 thru 900, we use the short form of the numbers 3 thru 9 plus miya. For numbers such as 107 or 257, we will use the appropriate multiple of 100 followed by the word “and” and then the rest of the number. Some examples:
In English, we never think of these two tasks separately. We simply use a number in combination with the plural form of some object. In Arabic, however, we have to learn how to combine different numbers with objects, sometimes using a plural form, sometimes a singular, sometimes with a letter in between the two, sometimes not. As in all things Arabic, what seems difficult now becomes natural with time.
Cardinal Numbers
Cardinal numbers refer to the normal numbers we use (one, two, three...). They are different than ordinal numbers (first, second, third...) and fractions (one-half, one-third, one-fourth...). For now, we start with the cardinal numbers. We will work with ordinal numbers and fractions later.
Numbers 1 thru 10
In Moroccan Arabic, there are two ways to combine the numbers 3 thru 10 with an object. We sometimes use the “full” or normal form of the number, and sometimes we use a “short” form of the number.
Here is a table listing the full form of numbers 1 thru 10 and the short form of numbers 3 thru 10.
Numbers 11 thru 19
Numbers 20, 30, 40 ... 99
For a multiple of ten (20, 30, 40 etc.) in Arabic, we simply use the name for that number, like in English. For numbers such as 21, 22, or 23, however, it is not like English. In Arabic, the “ones” digit is pronounced first, followed by the word “and,” then followed by the “tens” digit. For example, in Arabic
the number 21 is literally “one and twenty” while the number 47 is literally “seven and forty.” Also, remember that for the numbers 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82, and 92, we do not use juj. Rather, we use tnayn. Here is a list of the multiples of ten, with examples of numbers between each multiple:
Numbers 100, 200, 300 ... 999
The Arabic word for 100 is miya. For 200, there is a dual form of miyatayn. For 300 thru 900, we use the short form of the numbers 3 thru 9 plus miya. For numbers such as 107 or 257, we will use the appropriate multiple of 100 followed by the word “and” and then the rest of the number. Some examples:
Learn Moroccan - Demonstrative Adjectives & Demonstrative Pronouns
This, that, these, and those are used often in Arabic, like in English. But, unlike in English, in Arabic we must be aware of whether they act as adjectives or pronouns. Think about how we use these words in English. Sometimes, we use them before a noun. When we use them before a noun, they are called demonstrative adjectives.
This car is John’s. I like these towels.
I want that book. Those flowers smell lovely.
Sometimes, we use them by themselves. In this case, they are called demonstrative pronouns.
This is John’s. I like these.
I want that. Those smell lovely.
It isn’t necessary to know their names, but it is necessary to pay attention to whether they are before a noun or not. Let’s first look at the pronoun forms in Arabic, which you will use often even as a beginner.
Learn Moroccan - The Possessive Word “dyal”
In Moroccan Arabic, you have already learned that possession can be expressed by adding the possessive pronouns to the end of a word (see page 9). Another way to express possession is through the word dyal. It is placed after a noun with the definite article “the,” which in Arabic may be either the letter “l” or a doubling of the first consonant of a word (see page 165 for more information on the
Arabic definite article). The same possessive pronouns you learned before are attached to the end of dyal. You can also use a name with dyal. Some examples:
Arabic definite article). The same possessive pronouns you learned before are attached to the end of dyal. You can also use a name with dyal. Some examples:
Learn Moroccan - Possessive Pronouns
For the “my” and “his” forms, the first ending is used for words ending in consonants, while the second is used with words ending in vowels. For example, smiti (my name), but xuya (my brother).
Example of possessive pronouns with the noun “book.”
book ktab
my book ktabi
your (sing.) book ktabk
his book ktabu
her book ktabha
our book ktabna
your (plur.) book ktabkum
their book ktabhum
Most feminine nouns in Arabic have an “a” sound at the end of the word. In Arabic script, this “a” is actually a silent “t” that is only pronounced on certain occasions. For all feminine words ending in this silent “t” , we drop the sound “a” and substitute it with “t” before adding a possessive pronoun.
For example, the feminine noun magana (a watch).
watch magana
my watch maganti
your (sing.) watch magantk
his watch magantu
her watch magantha
our watch magantna
your (plur.) watch magantkum
their watch maganthum
Example of possessive pronouns with the noun “book.”
book ktab
my book ktabi
your (sing.) book ktabk
his book ktabu
her book ktabha
our book ktabna
your (plur.) book ktabkum
their book ktabhum
Most feminine nouns in Arabic have an “a” sound at the end of the word. In Arabic script, this “a” is actually a silent “t” that is only pronounced on certain occasions. For all feminine words ending in this silent “t” , we drop the sound “a” and substitute it with “t” before adding a possessive pronoun.
For example, the feminine noun magana (a watch).
watch magana
my watch maganti
your (sing.) watch magantk
his watch magantu
her watch magantha
our watch magantna
your (plur.) watch magantkum
their watch maganthum
Learn Moroccan - Independent Pronouns
Independent Pronouns
We call the following pronouns “independent” because they are not attached to other words, such as nouns, verbs, or prepositions
The pronouns are often used in a number of different ways.
When they are followed by a noun or an adjective, the verb “to be” is not necessary. It is implied already, and simple sentences can be made by using independent pronouns with a nouns or adjectives.
I am a teacher. ana ustad.
We call the following pronouns “independent” because they are not attached to other words, such as nouns, verbs, or prepositions
The pronouns are often used in a number of different ways.
When they are followed by a noun or an adjective, the verb “to be” is not necessary. It is implied already, and simple sentences can be made by using independent pronouns with a nouns or adjectives.
I am a teacher. ana ustad.
Learn Moroccan: Greetings
Cultural Points
Greetings and farewells (good byes) are two important aspects of Moroccan life. Greetings are not to be compared with the quick American “hi.” It takes time for two people to exchange different questions and answers which interest them about each other, their families, and life in general.
Greetings change from one region to another, both in the questions posed and in the fashion of the greeting (i.e. shaking hands, kissing cheeks head or hands, or putting one’s hand over one’s heart after shaking hands).
If you greet a group of people, then the way you greet the first person is the way you should greet everyone in the group. Don’t be surprised if you are greeted by a friend but he does not introduce you to other people with whom he may be talking. Do not be surprised if you are in a group and you are not greeted as others are in the group (people may be shy to greet a stranger.) It is also not necessary to
give an overly detailed response to a greeting—only the usual response is expected. For example, “How are you?” requires only a simple “Fine, thanks be to God.”
Learn Moroccan: Words & Syllables Without Vowels
Sometimes you will see syllables or even whole words without any vowels written in them. This is normal in Moroccan Arabic. To the English speaker, however, this seems impossible, since we have always been taught that all words must contain a vowel sound. Which side is correct? Well, in a sense they both are. In reality, it is indeed possible to pronounce consonants together without articulating a
vowel sound; we do it a lot in English at the beginning of words. Think about the word street. We pronounce three consonants—s, t, and r—without any vowels between them. So it is possible. The only challenge with Arabic is that the consonant combinations are new for English speakers (we don’t put the /sh/ sound next to the /m/ sound, for example, but in Arabic they do).
However, try for a moment to pronounce only the letters “str,” not the whole word “street.” In this case, most English speakers will hear something that sounds like the word “stir.” With certain consonant combinations, that is to say, it sounds to the English speaker like there is a vowel in the middle, even if there isn’t. The “vowel” is in reality just the normal sound made as one consonant sound transitions to another.
Part of learning Moroccan Arabic is becoming comfortable with new consonant combinations and practicing those combinations without necessarily placing a vowel in the middle. The transcription words, you will notice, only include characters for vowels when there really is a vowel in the word. It may seem difficult at first, but it is better to accustom yourself to this as early as you can.
vowel sound; we do it a lot in English at the beginning of words. Think about the word street. We pronounce three consonants—s, t, and r—without any vowels between them. So it is possible. The only challenge with Arabic is that the consonant combinations are new for English speakers (we don’t put the /sh/ sound next to the /m/ sound, for example, but in Arabic they do).
However, try for a moment to pronounce only the letters “str,” not the whole word “street.” In this case, most English speakers will hear something that sounds like the word “stir.” With certain consonant combinations, that is to say, it sounds to the English speaker like there is a vowel in the middle, even if there isn’t. The “vowel” is in reality just the normal sound made as one consonant sound transitions to another.
Part of learning Moroccan Arabic is becoming comfortable with new consonant combinations and practicing those combinations without necessarily placing a vowel in the middle. The transcription words, you will notice, only include characters for vowels when there really is a vowel in the word. It may seem difficult at first, but it is better to accustom yourself to this as early as you can.
Learn Moroccan - Shedda
Shedda
If you see a transcription character doubled, that means that a “shedda” is over that character in the Arabic script. For example, in the following table, you will see how the transcription changes for “shedda,” and thus the pronunciation.
Notice that these two words are spelled differently in the transcription. The word “woman” does not have a shedda on the “r” in Arabic script, and that is why there is only one “r” in the transcription. The word “time” does have a shedda in the Arabic script, and that is why the transcription doubles the letter “r.” These two words are pronounced differently, so you must pay attention to doubled letters in transcription. To learn more about how we pronounce the shedda in Arabic,
see page 164. For now, what’s important is that you understand the transcription.
If you see a transcription character doubled, that means that a “shedda” is over that character in the Arabic script. For example, in the following table, you will see how the transcription changes for “shedda,” and thus the pronunciation.
Notice that these two words are spelled differently in the transcription. The word “woman” does not have a shedda on the “r” in Arabic script, and that is why there is only one “r” in the transcription. The word “time” does have a shedda in the Arabic script, and that is why the transcription doubles the letter “r.” These two words are pronounced differently, so you must pay attention to doubled letters in transcription. To learn more about how we pronounce the shedda in Arabic,
see page 164. For now, what’s important is that you understand the transcription.
Moroccan sounds - New sounds
New Sounds
There are eight consonants in Moroccan Arabic that we do not have in English. It may take you some time to be able to pronounce these correctly. At this point, what’s important is that you learn the transcription character for each of these sounds. See page 162 for more information on how to pronounce the sounds in Moroccan Arabic.
There are eight consonants in Moroccan Arabic that we do not have in English. It may take you some time to be able to pronounce these correctly. At this point, what’s important is that you learn the transcription character for each of these sounds. See page 162 for more information on how to pronounce the sounds in Moroccan Arabic.
Moroccan sounds You Already Know
Sounds You Already Know
The large majority of consonants in Moroccan Arabic are similar to sounds that we have in English.
The vowels in Arabic are also similar to English vowels. In the following table, each transcription character that represents a sound you already know will be explained. The sounds are not necessarily what you may expect, but each character was matched with a sound for good reasons.
The large majority of consonants in Moroccan Arabic are similar to sounds that we have in English.
The vowels in Arabic are also similar to English vowels. In the following table, each transcription character that represents a sound you already know will be explained. The sounds are not necessarily what you may expect, but each character was matched with a sound for good reasons.
Transcription of Moroccan Arabic
Transcription of Moroccan Arabic
In order for trainees to move quickly into Moroccan Arabic (also called “Darija”), Peace Corps uses a system of transcription that substitutes characters of the Latin alphabet (a, b, c, d, . . . ) for characters from Arabic script. With this system, it isn’t necessary for a trainee to learn all of Arabic script before he or she begins to learn the language. On the contrary, once you become familiar
with the system of transcription, you will be able to “read” and “write” Moroccan Arabic fairly quickly—using characters you are familiar with. You will also learn Arabic script during training, but with transcription it isn’t necessary to know it right away. Throughout the book, therefore, you will always see both the original Arabic script and the transcription. Becoming familiar with the Peace
Corps’ system of transcription is one of the best things you can do, early on, to help yourself learn Moroccan Arabic. Practicing the different sounds of Moroccan Arabic until you can reproduce them is another. This introduction is intended mainly to help you get started with the system of transcription, and as a result it will mention only briefly the different sounds of Arabic.
In order for trainees to move quickly into Moroccan Arabic (also called “Darija”), Peace Corps uses a system of transcription that substitutes characters of the Latin alphabet (a, b, c, d, . . . ) for characters from Arabic script. With this system, it isn’t necessary for a trainee to learn all of Arabic script before he or she begins to learn the language. On the contrary, once you become familiar
with the system of transcription, you will be able to “read” and “write” Moroccan Arabic fairly quickly—using characters you are familiar with. You will also learn Arabic script during training, but with transcription it isn’t necessary to know it right away. Throughout the book, therefore, you will always see both the original Arabic script and the transcription. Becoming familiar with the Peace
Corps’ system of transcription is one of the best things you can do, early on, to help yourself learn Moroccan Arabic. Practicing the different sounds of Moroccan Arabic until you can reproduce them is another. This introduction is intended mainly to help you get started with the system of transcription, and as a result it will mention only briefly the different sounds of Arabic.
Learning Moroccan Arabic
Learning Moroccan Arabic Even under the best conditions, learning a new language can be challenging. Add to this challenge the rigors of Peace Corps training, and you’re faced with what will be one of the most demanding—and rewarding—aspects of your Peace Corps experience: learning to communicate to Moroccans in their own language. But it can be done. And rest assured that you can do it. Here are a few reasons why:
• You are immersed in the language: Some people may need to hear a word three times to remember it; others may need thirty. Learning Moroccan Arabic while living and training with Moroccans gives you the chance to hear the language used again and again.
• You have daily language classes with Moroccan teachers: You’re not only immersed in
the language; you also have the opportunity to receive feedback from native speakers on the many questions that predictably crop up when one learns a new language.
• Peace Corps has over forty years of experience in Morocco: Your training, including
this manual, benefits from the collective experience gained by training thousands of Americans to live and work in Morocco. You will benefit from and contribute to that legacy.
Despite these advantages, at times you may still feel like the task of learning Moroccan Arabic is too much to handle. Remember that volunteers like you having been doing it for decades, however. One of the most rewarding aspects of your time will be communicating with Moroccans in Arabic, surprising them and yourself with how well you know the language. When that time arrives, your hard work will
have been worth it.
• You are immersed in the language: Some people may need to hear a word three times to remember it; others may need thirty. Learning Moroccan Arabic while living and training with Moroccans gives you the chance to hear the language used again and again.
• You have daily language classes with Moroccan teachers: You’re not only immersed in
the language; you also have the opportunity to receive feedback from native speakers on the many questions that predictably crop up when one learns a new language.
• Peace Corps has over forty years of experience in Morocco: Your training, including
this manual, benefits from the collective experience gained by training thousands of Americans to live and work in Morocco. You will benefit from and contribute to that legacy.
Despite these advantages, at times you may still feel like the task of learning Moroccan Arabic is too much to handle. Remember that volunteers like you having been doing it for decades, however. One of the most rewarding aspects of your time will be communicating with Moroccans in Arabic, surprising them and yourself with how well you know the language. When that time arrives, your hard work will
have been worth it.
Learn Moroccan for travelers: about the Cds
About the CDs
This sellection of these 3 CDs offers a wide range of tools for the avid traveller to Morocco. The CDs focus mainly on the communicative aspect of the language:
- vocabulary
- Gretting
- common expressions
- Numbers
- Time...
and the practical aspects:
- Taking a cab
- Renting a car
- Purchasing tickets at the bus station, airport, train station
- Asking for directings
- Shopping ...
I hope these CDs would help make your trip to Morocoo a lot easier and I welcome all ideas, criticism ... etc to make these better for future travellers.
This sellection of these 3 CDs offers a wide range of tools for the avid traveller to Morocco. The CDs focus mainly on the communicative aspect of the language:
- vocabulary
- Gretting
- common expressions
- Numbers
- Time...
and the practical aspects:
- Taking a cab
- Renting a car
- Purchasing tickets at the bus station, airport, train station
- Asking for directings
- Shopping ...
I hope these CDs would help make your trip to Morocoo a lot easier and I welcome all ideas, criticism ... etc to make these better for future travellers.
About the author
About the author
Tiazza was born in the Berber tribe of Tizourzine south of Morocco, she lives all her life between the Berber tribe, Casablance and the capital Rabat till the age of 23 when she graduated from the School of Information Sciences in Rabat, Morocco with a BS degree in Information Sciences. She then left Morocco in Summer 2001 for a trip around the world. the trip has taken her to the US, Canada, Japan, China, Vietnam, Singapore, India, South Africa, Seychelles, Brazil and Cuba before she came back to NYC and then to Oregon.
After this world trip, Tiazza arrived in NYC, NY for college and moved to Southern Oregon where she was offered a full scholarship at Southern Oregon University where she graduated in 2004 with a BA dgree in Accounting.
Tiazza has been teaching Arabic and French all her life as a volunteer in the Berber villages of Southern Morocco on the border of the African Sahara where she was born and where no formal schools are available. She thought Arabic to many Americans while she travelled around the world and started teaching private classes after she moved to the US. she now offers several group Arabic classes in Ashland and Medford. Tiazza teaches a language class rather than a simple conversation classes. She focuses on the MSA ( Modern Standard Arabic ) which is the only form of Arabic written and commonly understood in all Arab countries.
Tiazza currently offers private classes for foreigners getting ready to visit and Morocco and through many years of experience, she came up with the idea of creating audio CDs for travellers to use as a reference in their effort to prepare for the big trip.
Tiazza was born in the Berber tribe of Tizourzine south of Morocco, she lives all her life between the Berber tribe, Casablance and the capital Rabat till the age of 23 when she graduated from the School of Information Sciences in Rabat, Morocco with a BS degree in Information Sciences. She then left Morocco in Summer 2001 for a trip around the world. the trip has taken her to the US, Canada, Japan, China, Vietnam, Singapore, India, South Africa, Seychelles, Brazil and Cuba before she came back to NYC and then to Oregon.
After this world trip, Tiazza arrived in NYC, NY for college and moved to Southern Oregon where she was offered a full scholarship at Southern Oregon University where she graduated in 2004 with a BA dgree in Accounting.
Tiazza has been teaching Arabic and French all her life as a volunteer in the Berber villages of Southern Morocco on the border of the African Sahara where she was born and where no formal schools are available. She thought Arabic to many Americans while she travelled around the world and started teaching private classes after she moved to the US. she now offers several group Arabic classes in Ashland and Medford. Tiazza teaches a language class rather than a simple conversation classes. She focuses on the MSA ( Modern Standard Arabic ) which is the only form of Arabic written and commonly understood in all Arab countries.
Tiazza currently offers private classes for foreigners getting ready to visit and Morocco and through many years of experience, she came up with the idea of creating audio CDs for travellers to use as a reference in their effort to prepare for the big trip.
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