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.”