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