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Salam: Speak Moroccan Darija

Xenia Makosky

Marhaba bik and welcome to Salam: Speak Moroccan Darija, a podcast for intermediate to advanced learners of Darija, the Moroccan dialect of Arabic. Each episode features authentic conversations between me, Zina, an American who speaks Darija, and a Darija speaking guest as we explore the language and culture in Morocco.
I'm an advanced Darija speaker, but I'm still learning every day. In each episode, the guest helps me new vocabulary, explains cultural nuances, and even corrects my mistakes. My hope is that this podcast helps you improve your Darija and speak without fear.

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8 episodes
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S1 · E8
September 25 · 28 min
Episode Seven: Loving Morocco, Leaving Morocco- On Immigration
Salam dear listeners, inchallah you are all well. I am excited to share with you the last episode of Season One. I will be starting graduate school this fall, so I will not have time to publish weekly episodes, but I will be back for Season Two in December. In the meantime, I am going to try and continue posting Darija and Morocco related content on Instagram. You can follow me @salamzinazwina. I would also love to hear from you! If you have feedback about the podcast or topics you would like me to discuss in Season Two, please send me a message. For the Season One finale, I am joined by a new guest, Ustadha Fatima Zahra (and yes, she shares a name with a previous guest, but this is a different Fatima Zahra!). Ustadha Fatima Zahra has taught Darija and Modern Standard Arabic at the Arab American Language Institute in Morocco (AALIM) for 16 years. She is also an ACTFL certified Arabic tester and participated in the Arabic Flagship Program at The University of Texas at Austin. Today we discuss immigration in Morocco. Ustadha Fatima Zahra shares how immigration has evolved during her lifetime and become a major decision that young Moroccans face. We talk about the opportunities and challenges that can draw people abroad, including employment, education, healthcare, and the hope for a higher quality of life. We also discuss Fatima Zahra’s experience in America, and why she ultimately will never leave Morocco permanently. We also explore the question: How can someone deeply love their country and still feel that they need to leave it? Fatima Zahra uses quite a few advanced terms in Modern Standard Arabic throughout today’s episode, so you may notice that the vocabulary list is longer than usual. Since this is the final episode for the next few weeks, I am leaving you with an extra vocab list. As always, khtwa b khtwa (step by step), and I’ll see you all in Season Two, inchallah! الهجرة- Immigration كيهاجر- He immigrates ناحية إنسانية- Human perspective مستوى أعمق- Deeper level صعوبات وتحديات - Difficulties and hardships مشاعر معقدة - Complicated feelings قضية- Issue حواس -Feelings خروج الاستعمار الفرنسي - The departure of French colonization كيساهمو في تنمية البلاد - They contribute to developing their country اغراءات-Incentives انبهرو /انبهار- They were impressed by باش يحقق داك الحلم- So he can achieve that dream حقه الاكتشاف -His right to explore تحقيق الذات -Self fulfillment or self actualization نموذج- Model جودة في الحياة - Quality of life رعاية صحية- Healthcare ظاهرة- Phenomenon ثمن معقول - Reasonable price يتشوقو أكتر يعيشوا ديك الحياة الحديثة المتطورة -They long to live that modern and developed life جامعة منفتحة -Open minded university التنوع الثقافي - Cultural diversity ما كيخليش ينسلخ من تقافتة - It does not make me detach myself from my culture نستقر/ استقرار- I settle down/ stability تقدير - Appreciation التقافة ديالي لا تقل عنها في شيء- My culture is in no way inferior الجذور- Roots فيها ما يدار وفيها ما يتشاف- It is worth experiencing, desirable, worth it يستحقوا- They deserve تاريخ عريق - Ancient history كيف أنا نبغي نستفد من تقافات الآخرين بغيت حتى هم يستفدوا من التقافة ديالي - Similar to how I benefit from others' cultures, I want them to benefit from my culture نية أوساذجين- Naive لا يمكن الإنكار- You cannot deny كيزيد قدام- To move forward/progress سبل وطرق- Ways/paths مجهودات- Efforts التأمين - Insurance الدول الغربية قطعت أشواط كبيرة -Western countries have made great strides أحنا غاديين في الخطة ديالها- We are following in her path ينمو المواهب ديالهم - They grow their talents الذنب- Guilt الأمل - Hope تكتسب الخبرة - You acquire experience بدأو يحكمو على- They began to judge خبر استعجالي - Breaking news ممر العبور- Passageway يتسراو- They stroll for take a walk for leisure كل واحد الحق باش يحسن حياته - Everyone has the right to better his life أوروبا كتعاني من شيخوخة السكان- Europe struggles with an aging population كيندمجوا / اندماج-They assimilate نجرب حظي - I try my luck
S1 · E7
September 15 · 25 min
Episode 6: When Love Blinds Us- Women and Unpaid Domestic Labor in Morocco
Hello, dear listeners! I hope you are all doing well. I am excited to finally share with you a conversation I promised you weeks ago about Moroccan mothers, women’s labor, and the changing expectations of women in Moroccan society. My guest today is Ustadha Fatima Zahra, my former Arabic teacher and an instructor of Modern Standard Arabic and Darija at the Arab American Language Institute in Morocco (AALIM) in Meknes, Morocco. In this episode, we talk about the importance of mothers in Moroccan culture, including the images of Moroccan soccer players embracing their mothers after a match, such as during this summer’s World Cup. Ustadha Fatima Zahra, a working mother, shares her perspective on the expectations placed on Moroccan women, how those expectations shape family life, and how they are changing as more women pursue careers outside the home. We also explore the idea of domestic work as an expression of love. When cooking, cleaning, caring for children, and managing a household are understood primarily as acts of love and a duty, it can become difficult to recognize them as labor. Finally, we discuss how movements within Moroccan society and government are challenging unpaid domestic labor and calling for greater recognition, including legal rights. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions after listening. To follow the podcast and learn more about my Arabic journey, Darija, and life in Morocco, you can find me on Instagram @salamzinazwina. Here are some of the important vocabulary that you will be hearing in this week’s episode: دور/أدوار- Role/roles كيساهموا في- They contribute to كأس العالم - World cup كيعنق ماماه و كيبوسها -He hugs his mother and kisses her رمز- Symbol الرسول صلى عليه وسلم وصى على الأم قبل الأب The Prophet, peace be upon him, commaded good treatment and companionship to the mother before the father الجنة تحت أقدام الأمهات -Heaven is under the feet of mothers الإنسان خصه يكون مرضي مع الأم دياله- A person has to be in a good relationship with his mother مقدسة-Holy الأساس ديال العائلة -The foundation of the family الأب كيكون مسؤول على ماهو مادي- The father is responsible financially التربية- Upbringing حتى كيشد التقاعد- Until he retires كاتهلا في - She takes care of ربة البيت- Housewife or homemaker ما غديش تفكر في رأسها هي الأولى - She will not think of herself first ماشي نيشان- Not directly مع هاد الجيل كيتبدل - This generation is changing الأفعال أهم من الكلمات-Actions are more important than words, actions speak louder than words توكّل أولادها هم الأولين وعاد تأكل هي - She feeds her children before she eats الحب شي مرات كيعمينا - Love sometimes blinds us الاعتراف- Recognition مفششين - Spoiled أنانيين - Selfish الواجب ديالك- Your duty إضافي/ة- Additional كيتوقعو هي غتكون حادكة - They expect her to be resourceful and highly skilled in skills related to homemaking طلع ليا الدم -My blood went up, or I got really angry/fed up with إحصائيات - Statistics الشقا حتى هو الخدمة - Even housework is work الخدمة غير مرئية - Invisible labor الطلاق -Divorce طلقت- She divorced رعاية الأطفال- Child Care بزز عليها -Complusary, forced on her العقلية ديال الناس - The mentality of people خص يكون التعاون -There has to be cooperation
S1 · E6
September 5 · 24 min
Episode Five: Proud to be Marrakechia
Salam, listeners! I hope you are all doing well. I am sorry I disappeared last week. I was not feeling well, but alhamdulillah, I am doing much better now and am excited to share a new episode with you all! In this episode, I speak with my former (but forever) host sister, Oumaima. Oumaima is an English teacher who was born and raised in the Old City of Marrakech. She loves her city and especially enjoys sharing its culture with visitors from both inside and outside of Morocco. Together, we talk about why Oumaima loves Marrakech and what makes her proud to call herself Marrakechia. We dive into the everyday culture of the city — from motorbikes and Moroccan jokes to crowded streets and the constant presence of tourists. We also talk about what it’s like to live in one of Morocco’s most touristy cities and the parts of Marrakech that tourists may never see. We also talk about Oumaima’s experience hosting international students and how, even when their stays are short, they can become a part of the family. For Oumaima, welcoming students into her home has created relationships that last far beyond their time in Marrakech, something I know personally from my time living with her family. We talk about what it means to open your home to someone from another country and how those experiences can shape the way you understand both your home and the people who become a part of it. 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 and answer any questions about today’s episode. Here are some of the important words and expressions used in this episode: تبادل لغوي و ثقافي- Language and cultural exchange قلب المدينة القديمة -The heart of the old city في ديك الساعة - At that time كل مدينة في المغرب كيكون عنادها واحد طعم- Every city in Morocco has it's own flavor مراض بالدقة- Sick with asthma كتپارتاجيها - You share it سائح/سياح- Tourist/Tourists سياحة -Tourism صورة نمطية - Stereotype فكاهين- Comedians الطرائف ديال مراكش و طرائف ديال بلادك-The jokes of Marrakech and the jokes of your country طريقة احترافية - In a professional way كيحببوك في مدينتهم- They welcome you to their city باش تعودي تيجي - so you keep returning ثقافة ديال الموطور- Motorbike culture أزقة ضيقين - Tight alleyways الشجاعة - Courage رياض/رياضات -Riad كنت كنستقبل عندي طلبة- I used to host students كيمشيو دئما بالبكاء- They always leave crying واحد عنصر من العائلة ديالنا - A part of our family منين كايحلو عينيهم - From when they open their eyes الأجواء- Environement/vibes طريقة سطحية - Surface level ضروري أنهم يتختشاو وسط عائلة مغربية- They have to live in a Moroccan family حديقة الحيوانات - Zoo كتكوني فشيشكل عليهم - You appear strange to them فاخرة/ فخورة - Proud كنبين كوني مراكشية -I demonstrate my Marrakechi identity طريقة غير مباشرة - Indirectly فين تزدينا وفين كبرنا - Where we were born and grew up ما يمكنش توصف - You cannot describe داك الحنين وداك الشوق - That nostalgia and longing
S1 · E5
August 22 · 22 min
Episode Four: Morocco Through New Eyes
Salam, dear listeners! I hope you are all doing well. In this episode, I welcome back my friend Ustadha Raja for the second part of our conversation. Ustadha Raja is a Fulbright alumna and an Arab Literature, Language, and Culture Instructor at the Judy Genshaft Honors College at the University of South Florida. She is also the founder and director of Arabic Khatawwat (Steps), an Arabic language and culture program. We continue where we left off last week, and Raja shares how the experience of living between Morocco and the U.S. for the last 15 years inspired her to create Khatawaat study abroad, a linguistic and cultural immersion program based in Morocco. Raja reveals how bringing students to Morocco has allowed her to see Morocco through new eyes and given her a new understanding of her country. Additionally, she shares some of the methods she uses to immerse students in Moroccan local life, such as welcoming them to her family gatherings, banning shopping for the first few days of the program, and encouraging students to become independent (including learning how to fix their phones in Morocco and make their own photocopies!) We discuss how her approach to language learning helps students to become members of a community and leave with a fuller understanding of Morocco. Raja organizes summer study abroad through Arabic Khatawaat in Morocco every year, so if you are interested in participating in the unique experiences (plus more surprises!) that we discussed today, then I would highly encourage you to check it out. In the meantime, Arabic Khatawaat is currently accepting applicants for virtual fall language and cultural classes. Classes are available for Arabic learners of all levels. To learn more and register, you can visit www.arabickhatawaat.com. 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 and answer any questions about today’s episode. Here are some of the words and expressions featured in this episode: المحيط ديالي والبيئة ديالي - My surroundings and my environment استثناءات-Exceptions زعفانة -Angry/upset فين تمشي فين تجي-Geographical awareness, street smarts جيتي عاود تاني- You are here again, here in a joking/ sarcastic context ماشي غير الهضرة- It is not just talk كان خاسر لها التليفون ديالها - Her phone was broken or not working عن القصد - Intentionally خليتها تغذب - I let her struggle التفاعل -Interaction حوارات محدودة- Limited conversations ما كتهمنش- It does not pertain to me or interest me العقلية- Mentality الواعي - Awareness كينغامس- To immerse كنشرط على رأسي - I set a rule or condition خلي فلوسكم في جيبكم - Save your money, or I'll pay for it غادي نهرس لكم البرنامج- I am going going to break the schedule الوقت الزمني ديال الثقافة- Culture timeline طريقة تلقائية - Spontaneous way لهجات مختلفة ولكنات مختلفة - Different dialects and accents تخاصمات و تصالحات- She has lived many different emotional experiences الجرأة- Bravery/Boldness/Courage القابلية-Capability كفوئ- Comptent كتزعزع- To shake/ agitate /to stir up حافز- Motivation الذنب - Guilt خديت راحتي معاك- I made myself comfortable or at home with you
S1 · E4
August 15 · 25 min
Episode Three: Between Two Worlds
Hello, dear listeners! I hope you are doing well. I first need to apologize because I shared in the last episode that today’s episode would focus on the Moroccan mom, but unfortunately we were not able to record this conversation this week. I hope, however, to share it with you in the near future. Today, I am joined by a new, special guest, Ustadha Raja. Ustadha Raja is a Fulbright alumna and an Arab Literature, Language, and Culture Instructor at the Judy Genshaft Honors College at the University of South Florida. She is also the founder and director of Arabic Khatawwat (Steps), an Arabic language and culture program. A former Fulbright participant in the U.S., Ustadha Raja has experienced life in both Morocco and the United States and has spent the past 15 years navigating these two cultures. This episode is the first part of a two part conversation with Ustadha Raja. In this episode she shares her experience immigrating to the U.S. and what it means to maintain Moroccan roots while building a life abroad. We explore what it means to be Moroccan abroad, and whether you really have to choose between two worlds. The second part of the conversation will be coming next week, inchallah! If you are interested in studying Arabic language and culture virtually this fall with Ustadha Raja, Arabic Khatawaat is currently accepting applications for fall enrollment. Classes are available for Arabic learners of all levels. If you have been wanting to commit to Arabic, then I highly recommend you check out the program. To learn more and register, you can visit www.arabickhatawaat.com. 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. Here are the some important words and expressions that you will hear in this episode: ما سخيتش- When you get used to something, and you don't want to let it go or move on برا البلاد- Outside the country/ homeland غادي ترجعيني -You are going to take me back منغمسة في الثقافة - Immersed in the culture موجة الأحاسيس - A wave of emotions تحاورت مع - I conversed with كنعشق بلادي- I love/adore my country تماسك اجتماعي قوي -Strong social cohesion سمعة مزيانة - Good reputation سفير/ة/سفراء ثقافيين- (Cultural Ambassador (masculine, feminine, and plural مواطن/ة/ين العالم- (Global citizen (masculine, feminine, plural خصني نتأقلم - I have to adjust بلا ما تعذبي رأسك -Don't bother البركة -Blessing روحانية-Spiritual موحشين - We miss لمة العائلة- Family gathering وتيرة الحياة -Pace of life استقرار اجتماعي -Social stability على سلامتك - Thank God for your safety ولد الحومة- Resident /local /son of the neighborhood ضروري يدير الواحد مجهود- It is necessary for someone to make an effort بحث اجتماعي - Networking /social research
S1 · E3
August 7 · 23 min
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
S1 · E2
August 1 · 27 min
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
S1 · E1
July 23 · 3 min
Salam Speak Moroccan Darija: Introduction
Salam 3lykum, and Mar7ba bikum to this new podcast, Salam: Speak Moroccan Darija. Below is an English translation of the episode you will be hearing in Arabic. This podcast is for intermediate to advanced learners of Moroccan Darija. In each episode, you'll hear a conversation between me, Zina, and another Darija speaker. I've been studying Arabic for seven years. When I began learning Darija in 2024, after studying other Arabic dialects, I realized that there still were not many good resources available for people who wanted to learn Moroccan Darija. I searched and searched for podcasts and listening materials that were appropriate for my level, but I couldn't find much. I told myself that someday, when I had learned Darija, I would have a responsibility to create something useful and help other learners like me. I've lived in Morocco and studied both Modern Standard Arabic and Darija, but I know that my language isn't perfect. I am still learning, and sometimes I make mistakes, but I speak with people anyway. I do not wait until my language is perfect before I participate and share my voice. And, inshallah, through this platform, I hope to encourage you to do the same: to speak, participate, and join the conversation without fear. Arabic has given me so many wonderful friends, and I am so excited for you to meet them. In each episode, they will share their stories and experiences, teach me new words and expressions, and correct me when I make mistakes. Before we begin our conversation, I'll introduce some important vocabulary at the beginning of each episode, along with the English translations, to help you follow along. From the very beginning of my Arabic journey, the most important thing has always been connecting with people and building relationships. Through my new friends, Arabic has expanded my world and helped me understand the world, other people, and myself on a deeper level. I believe that learning a new language, any language and not just Arabic, is a step toward world peace. The word salam was one of the first words I learned in Arabic, and it represents the very beginning of every conversation with everyone in Arabic. It is a greeting that opens the door to connecting with someone else. That is why I chose it as the name of this podcast. I hope that Salam encourages you to learn and speak Darija, and through the language, to listen to the stories of others, recognize yourself in their experiences, and see the humanity in everyone. A special thanks to the talented Anas Khermoui for our music "Salamo."

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