Opinion article by Khaoula Jabal

Walk into any coffee shop near any university in Morocco, and chances are you’ll hear someone say, “I’ll send you the link,” or “Let’s meet after class.” They might bounce between Darija, French, and a surprising amount of English. Not textbook-perfect, not always grammatically spot-on, but it’s alive. It’s Moroccan English, shaped by daily use, not by grammar drills.

For decades, French has ruled the scene as Morocco’s main foreign language. It was the language of government, law, science, even upper-class cool. But that crown is slipping. And if you ask the youth today, they’ll tell you straight up: “English is the future”.
We don’t need to wait for the future; it’s happening now. A 2021 British Council survey found that 68% of young Moroccans believe English will eventually replace French as the country’s main foreign language. Nearly 40% already consider English more important than French. That’s not just a trend; that’s a huge shift.
The government sees it, too. In 2023, the Ministry of Education officially launched a plan to bring English into public middle schools earlier and more widely. The goal? Full implementation by 2025. Already, over a million middle school students are learning English this year, and thousands of teachers have been trained or recruited. It’s one of the biggest language shifts Morocco has seen in decades.

But that’s just one side of the story.

The truth is, a lot of Moroccans aren’t waiting for the classroom to teach them English. They’re learning it online, through Netflix, TikTok, YouTube tutorials, and video games. Kids are picking up phrases from Minecraft and Roblox streamers. College students are watching TED Talks. Some are writing poetry in English on Instagram or launching podcasts for local audiences.
And it’s not just the young ones. In my city, Marrakech, I’ve met taxi drivers, police officers, doctors, and retirees who are enrolled in night classes or language centers because they “just want to learn.” They say things like, “Maybe my English is not good, but I try,” and honestly, that’s what’s powerful: they’re not chasing perfection, they’re chasing connection.
So why English? Why is this language, of all languages, capturing so much attention in Morocco?
First, it’s global and universal. English is the language of the internet, business, science, and pop culture. If you want to work remotely, start a business, watch a show, take a free course, or even just keep up with memes, English helps.

Second, there’s a growing feeling that English is more “neutral” than French. Let’s be honest: French still carries the baggage of colonial history. For many Moroccans, English feels like a fresh start, an open door to the world, without the weight of the past.
And third, it’s about aspiration. For a lot of young Moroccans, English isn’t just a cool language, it’s a tool. A way to move. Not in some poetic, distant sense, but in real, everyday ways. Want to apply for that scholarship to the U.S.? English. Need to write a CV for a remote job? English again. Want to apply for a fully funded scholarship in the U.S., Germany, or Turkey? You’ll need a solid personal statement in English. Dreaming of studying abroad? The English standard tests, like TOEFL or IELTS, are often your ticket out to unlock opportunities for studying, working, or living abroad.

Even for those staying in Morocco, English opens doors. Many companies, especially in tech and customer service, are looking for bilingual or trilingual employees, with English as a key skill. In the booming tourism industry, English is the bridge between locals and travelers from all over the world. And in media, marketing, design, and freelancing, having a strong command of English can double or even triple your job opportunities.
It’s not just about language, it’s about access. Access to global knowledge, to better income, to new experiences. For many, learning English is a way of rewriting their story, of stepping into a bigger world.

In my work as a teacher and a researcher, I’ve seen how this plays out in real time. My students don’t just want to pass their English exams; they want to express themselves. They want to start YouTube channels. They want to tell their stories.

Across Morocco, English is no longer confined to classrooms or textbooks; it’s becoming a vibrant part of the cultural scene. From literary festivals to storytelling nights, English-language events are flourishing, providing platforms for Moroccans to express themselves and engage with global audiences.​
One notable example is the Marrakech English Book Festival (MEBF). In January, this annual event brought together authors, poets, and readers from Morocco and around the world to celebrate literature in English. The festival features panel discussions, writing workshops, and readings, all conducted in English, providing a space where Moroccan voices can engage with international literary communities. It’s not just about reading books; it’s about creating dialogues and sharing stories that resonate beyond borders.​
In addition to literary festivals, storytelling events are gaining popularity. These gatherings offer a platform for individuals to share personal narratives, often in English, reflecting the diverse experiences of Moroccans. Such events not only enhance language skills but also build confidence and community among participants.​
These English-language events are more than just cultural gatherings; they are spaces where language learning meets personal expression. They empower individuals to tell their own stories, connect with others, and participate in a global conversation, all through the medium of English.​
Of course, there are some challenges. Access is not equal. Rural schools often lack the same resources, and qualified teachers are still in short supply. Not everyone has internet access or exposure to English media. And there’s a real risk of deepening inequality if English becomes another barrier between the “haves” and “have-nots.”
There’s also the question of balance. English can’t, and shouldn’t, replace Arabic or Amazigh. Our languages carry our identity, our humor, our way of seeing the world. English should be an addition, not a replacement for any language.

Still, the momentum is undeniable. Morocco is leaning into English, and in many ways, we’re making it our own. We’re not just learning the grammar; we’re shaping the vibe. Moroccan English has its own rhythm, its own flavor, and its own ambition.
And maybe that’s the real power of English here. Not just does it open doors abroad, but it also helps us say something new about who we are at home.
We’re not just speaking a new language. We’re building a new voice.

Khaoula Jabal, an English language teacher at the Center for Language and Culture in Marrakesh, is passionate about language, culture, and how technology shapes the way we learn and connect. She is also a PhD candidate in Applied Linguistics at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakesh.