Episode One: Expectations and Suprises

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