Languages of Morocco - English

English

English, while still far behind French and Spanish in terms of the number of speakers, is rapidly becoming the second foreign language of choice among educated youth, after French. As a result of national education reforms entering into force in late 2002, English will be taught in all public schools from the fourth year on. English is spoken sporadically in the business, science and education sectors but its usage and learning have grown over the last decade, especially since 2002, when English instruction was introduced from the 7th grade in public schools.

In Morocco English is used in education, international trade, and scientific research. Because it is the primary international language worldwide and because there are no colonial overtones, the language gained prestige within Morocco. In a survey held by Ennaji in the summers of 2000, 2001, and 2002, 58% of the respondents said that English was their favorite foreign language because it is the primary international prestige language. Heather Lea Moulaison, author of "Morocco — The New Era of Moroccan Libraries," said in 2012 that Moroccan society was increasingly accepting English as a lingua franca.