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Rabat – A video showing a Moroccan vendor impressing a tourist with her English language skills in Marrakech has gone viral online.
The video shows the Moroccan woman confidently speaking English to answer the tourist’s questions about Morocco’s “msemn,” also known as “rghaif” – a square-shaped Moroccan pancake.
The stuffed msemn are also known as Moroccan pizza among tourists.
“This is Moroccan pizza. [It has] onions, tomatoes, paprika, and [inaudible]…. Delicious,” the Moroccan woman said.
The video went viral online, with many internet users applauding the skilled vendor for her confidence and for her fluent English.
Morocco’s official languages are Moroccan Arabic (Darija) and Tamazight. French is also one of the languages spoken in the North African country.
Many in Morocco, however, are calling on the country to reinforce English learning and to replace French, suggesting that English continues to be the world’s dominant language for business dealings and international education.
This is not the first time a Moroccan vendor impressed the world with their foreign language proficiency.
In 2018, a Moroccan spice seller impressed German tourists with his German skills.
In the video, the vendor explained the medical uses and appropriate applications of his wares.
Moroccan vendors, particularly in tourist destinations, teach themselves foreign languages – particularly French and English – to be able to speak with tourists.
Morocco receives millions of tourists annually. As of September 2022, Morocco received 7.7 million tourists and 13.3 million overnight stays in classified accommodation facilities. The numbers represent a 76% and 69% increase respectively compared to the pre-COVID era.
