Episode Two: Welcome to the Moroccan Family

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