I’ve been to Morocco 7 times, and each time I feel like I can connect more to the culture, to jokes, to the music, and of course to people from my increasing knowledge of Moroccan Darija.

My time in Morocco was truly transformative, and much of that transformation can be attributed to my experience with the local language, Darija. This unique Arabic dialect opened doors for me that I couldn’t have imagined. It allowed me to connect with people on a deeper level, to understand their culture, and to become an active part of the community. Darija wasn’t just a means of communication; it was a bridge that helped me form genuine connections with locals.

I cannot imagine my life in Morocco without Darija and Tashelhit. Communication was the foundation of my Peace Corps service, relationships, and life in Morocco. Having a solid grasp on Darija allowed me to build incredibly strong bonds in my community that I’ve been able to keep to this day, thanks to “Speak As They Speak”—my go-to guide for Darija that I can use whether I’m sending a WhatsApp message to my host mom or back in Morocco looking to improve my haggling skills at Souk.

During my 10-day trip to Morocco, Speak as They Speak Darija was my invaluable companion. The phrasebook transformed my experience from that of a typical tourist to one of genuine connection. Whether in Marrakech, Chefchaouen, or the desert near Merzouga, using even a few phrases in Darija opened doors to deeper interactions. Locals were pleasantly surprised and appreciative of my efforts, leading to warm conversations, shared laughs, and a sense of belonging. This little book didn’t just help me navigate daily tasks, it allowed me to immerse myself in Moroccan culture and forge meaningful connections that made my journey truly unforgettable.

Darija helps to open the doors to communicating with locals in Morocco as it’s a survival language for many. it also helped me to discover the Arab world and a different language that has become so fascinating to me now.