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Required Clothing
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Although Morocco is more liberal
than its Middle Eastern counterparts, Morocco is
still a Muslim country with cultural traditions that
should be respected. One of the more imposing
traditions to Moroccan visitors is the dress code.
While much of the younger generations have opened
their minds to new apparel, Morocco, like every
country, has its extremists that cannot embrace the
idea of an exposed shoulder or knee cap, and it is
better to be safe than sorry.
Here are some things to consider
when packing for your trip to Morocco…
For Men: In most areas of
Morocco, especially more inland, shorts are
considered reserved for sports and the beach and
therefore should not be worn in other daily-life
circumstances. Along the coastal region and in other
more touristy areas of the country, the European
Capri has made its way into the Moroccan male
attire, but trousers above the knee are generally
still considered unacceptable. Although there are
always exceptions (you are bound to see even
Moroccans breaking these unspoken rules), it is best
to stick with pants.
For Women: The portion of females
who wear a hijab (head scarf) and those who do not
is divided approximately in half, but even those who
do not cover their heads still dress conservatively.
It is unnecessary for you to cover yourself down to
your wrists and ankles, but it is best to wear
shirts with sleeves (avoid tank tops, halter tops,
and tube tops), and wearing anything that comes
above the knee is barely less than repulsive.
Lightweight cardigans, long skirts, and scarves are
a great way to stay cool and still adhere to the
dress code. It is also acceptable for women to wear
pants. Tank tops are acceptable in more touristy
areas, but still avoid strapless and overly
revealing shirts to evade unwanted attention. Keep
in mind that here in Morocco, dressing skimpy is an
invitation to men to treat you in a way that most
women find deplorable. Girls and young ladies have
started wearing bikinis to the beach, but it is best
to stick to conservative beach wear; a one-piece
bathing suite or tankini with shorts (they can be
above the knees) is a perfect outfit for a day at
the beach.
As a general rule, consider this:
the smaller the town, the more conservative the town
and therefore the more conservative you should
dress. In the small towns of the mountain regions,
for example, it is good idea for both men and women
to wear clothing that covers down to wrists and
ankles.
Both men and women are sure to
see even Moroccans violating these general
respective rules that many people still hold in high
regards, but as a foreigner you will attract less
attention and gain more respect if you do your best
to follow these clothing guidelines.
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MOROCCO: Dialects & Languages
There are 5 main dialects spoken in different regions of Morocco.
Classical Arabic is the official language; it is used in the media
(TV, Radio & newspapers), in the judicial system, and in
intellectual contexts. However, most people do not write it or use
it to communicate with each other. Instead they speak “DARIJA” and
some combination of other dialects:
“DARIJA”
A spoken dialect derived from classical Arabic, but with its own
grammar and syntax. It is the first language of most Moroccans.
Written using the Arabic Alphabet.
“TASSOUSIT”
Berber dialect of the Tamazight language which is spoken in the
south (Agadir, Tiznit, etc.). Written using the Tifinagh Alphabet.
“TACHELHIT”
Berber dialect of the Tamazight language which is spoken in the
Atlas region (central Morocco). Written using the Tifinagh Alphabet.
“TARIFIT”
Berber dialect of the Tamazight language which is spoken in the
north (Nador, Al Houceima, etc.). Written using the Tifinagh
Alphabet.
“AL HASSANIA”
Dialect derived from classical Arabic. It is spoken only in regions
of the south (Laayoun, Smara, etc.). Written using the Arabic
Alphabet.
>> TIFINAGH
About the Tifinagh alphabet:
The Tifinagh alphabet is thought to have derived from the ancient
Berber script. The name Tifinagh means either 'the Phoenician
letters', or possibly comes from the phrase tifin negh, which means
'our invention'.
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Morocco Ethnic Groups
An interesting mix of ethnic
group constitutes the population of Morocco:
 Berber:
there are three kinds of Berber people; the
Chleuh are concentrated in southern Morocco in
the Sousi Valley, the Tamazight are concentrated
in the middle plains of the Atlas Mountain, and
Rifian are concentrated largely in the northern
regions of the Rif.
Arab:
the Arabs came from the Middle East with the
coming of Islam to Morocco.
Black African:
began coming to Morocco in the 17th century when
King Moulay Ismail opened Morocco to African
immigration.
Moors:
began coming to Morocco after the Spanish took
back the last Muslim city in Spain, Granada, in
1492 and continued coming well into the 17th
century. They are known "Mauriscis".
This richness in ethnic diversity
contributes to the wonderful culture that
characterizes Morocco. |
