What languages are required for conducting research, lecturing or studying in Morocco?
Grantees are advised to have adequate language skills before arrival. University lecturing in Morocco is done both in Arabic and French depending on subject. A working knowledge of French is necessary, and knowledge of Arabic (Standard and especially Moroccan dialectal) is essential for those working in rural areas. Working in some areas and with certain sections of the population (especially rural women), a knowledge of one of the Berber dialects is a must. (For detailed information on Morocco’s linguistic situation try this site: Languages of Morocco.) There are possibilities for lecturing in English in departments of English Language and Literature, or at the American-style Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, but some knowledge of French and/or Arabic will facilitate daily life immeasurably. For student grantees wishing to brush up on their Arabic or learn Moroccan dialectical Arabic, the Arabic Language Institute in Fez (ALIF) has served previous grantees well. Another option is the
