Casablanca - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You really do need French or Arabic. It's hard to get a taxi, food service, or anything else with English. Especially if you want to get out of the city at any point. - Sep 2022
Best to speak at least some French or Daridja (Moroccan Arabic) of everyday business. In touristic area, I find more and more people speak English, but it is not the rule. - Jun 2021
Basic French is essential for daily living. Most upperclass can speak English but middle and lower class locals do not speak English - Feb 2016
Having basic French (FAST course at least) is a must. There is very little English spoken and even less understood (you will get blank stares and heads nodding "yes"). If you can get the local Moroccan Arabic dialect (Darija) even better, but it's very difficult and nothing like standard Arabic. - Jul 2014
YOU NEED AT LEAST FRENCH. Can't stress this enough. Don't expect people to speak English. Darija is nice and you'll be somewhat revered if you can manage to get by a bit but French is key. - May 2014
French is very helpful in shopping, a little Arabic goes a long way. The more educated people speak in French or English. The less educated usually only have local Arabic. When you get outside the cities it is all local dialects. Anyone who deals with tourists will probably speak French and maybe Spanish. - Jun 2012
French will get you most places, but some of the less educated people might only speak Arabic, and Moroccan Arabic at that. If you only spoke english it might be difficult to get around. - Apr 2010
You will need some basic French or Moroccan Arabic to navigate around the city. - Mar 2008
