Morocco+Culture


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= Culture of Morocco =
 * Language in Morocco **

Classic Arabic is Morocco's official language, but the country's distinctive Arabic dialect is the most widely spoken language. In Morocco about 10 million people speak Berber, mostly in rural areas, and there are three different dialects: Tarifit, Tashelhit, and Tamazight. French, is Morocco's unofficial third which still serves as Morocco's primary language for commerce, economics, education, and government. In the Northern part of the country many people speak Spanish. While English is far behind French and Spanish, it is rapidly becoming the foreign language choice among educated youth (Arabia).


 * Common Greetings **

(Arabia)
 * Hello: as-salam alaykum
 * Hello (response): wa alaykum e-salam
 * Goodbye (person leaving): ma'a salama
 * Goodbye (person staying): alla ysalmak
 * Good morning: sabaH ala-kheir
 * Good afternoon: masa' al-kheir
 * Good night: tisbaH ala-kheir
 * Welcome: ahlan wa sahlan OR marHaba


 * Beliefs, Traditions and Religion **

Muslims pray five times a day at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. The exact time that they are to pray is located in the local newspaper each day. Friday is the Muslim holy day and everything is closed. During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk and are only permitted to work six hours per day. Fasting includes no eating, drinking, cigarette smoking, or gum chewing. At sunset, families and friends gather together to celebrate the breaking of the fast and the festivities often continue well into the night (Arabia).


 * Expectations and Values **

In Moroccan life family is the most important unit and plays a role in all social relations. An individual is always subordinate to the family or group. The elderly are revered and respected and often exert great influence on the rest of the family. Moroccan's cherish their honour and dignity, which reflects not only on themselves but on all members of the extended family. In Moroccan society is someone is shamed they may be ostracized by society, or even worse their family. Many Moroccans also say or do things publicly because it makes them look good or helps them avoid embarrassment or awkwardness (Arabia).


 * Education **

In Morocco the general school system includes modern secular public institutions, traditional religious schools, and private schools. In 1962, six years of compulsory primary education was mad mandatory under law. Girls usually leave school at a younger age than boys and are a minority in secondary as well as primary schools. In school the primary language is Arabic in the first two years and both Arabic and French are used in the next three years. The traditional religious schools are attended by only a small fraction of students (Advameg, 2010).


 * National Holidays **

(Multimedia, 1997)
 * March 3rd: Throne Day
 * July 9th: Youth Day (King's Birthday)
 * August 20th: Revolution of the King and the People


 * Religious Holidays: Observed for 2 working days **

(Multimedia, 1997)
 * 1st of Moharram: New Year (Muslim calendar
 * 12th of Rabi Al Awal: Aid El Mawlid (Birth of the Prophet Mohamed)
 * 1st od Shawwal: Aid El Fitr (end of Ramadan)
 * 10th of Dhu Al Hijjia: Aid El Edha (Commemoration of Abraham's sacrifice)


 * Music **

(Wikipedia, 2010)
 * Moroccan music is influenced by Arab, Amazigh, African, and Andalusian traditions
 * Use traditional instruments such as flute, shawm, zither, drums, and short necked lutes
 * Famous artists: Master Musicians of Jajouka and Hassan Hakmoun
 * Younger Moroccans enjoy music that incorporates sounds with those of Western rock, Jamaican reggae, and Egyptian and Moroccan popular music.

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 * Sports **

(Wikipedia, 2010)
 * Football (soccer) is the premier sport
 * In 1986 Morocco became the first Arab and African country to qualify in the World Cup
 * Tennis and golf are also very popular
 * Basketball and handball (cross between American dodge ball and soccer) are also played


 * Cuisine **

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 * Arts **

*You can find many of these objects in the wonderful markets of Moroccan cities. (NewMediaHoldings, 2010)
 * Wood and furniture: intricately decorated with rich and expressive carvings have been passed down for many generations
 * Colorful woven carpets: strong geometric designs and rich coloring are meticulously constructed
 * Ornate ceramics and sculptures: are very ornate and are the masterpieces of a few skilled artisans







//Resources can be found on the Teachers Page.//