Morocco’s Youth Embrace English as Key to Future, Survey Shows

The survey was conducted among a sample of 1,200 young Moroccans. According to the data collected by the British Council, the majority of these young people consider English to be "a vital language for their future and for that of their country," reports Maghreb Intelligence. For two-thirds of those surveyed, the language of Shakespeare will supplant the French language as the first foreign language in Morocco within the next five years. 82% of Moroccans hope that the number of English users will increase over the next decade.

74% of the young people surveyed believe that if English became the first foreign language, it would be a great advantage for the kingdom, particularly as an international business and tourism hub. 65% of young people consider English to be an important language, compared to 47% for French.

Moroccans are numerous in developing a real interest in the English language, as well as in English-speaking educational institutions. Several English-speaking establishments, including the prestigious American schools, are established in Rabat, Tangier and Casablanca, as well as the British International School of Casablanca and the London Academy, due to an ever-increasing demand.

On the government side, actions are being taken to support this enthusiasm of Moroccans for the language of Shakespeare and English-speaking educational institutions. The international section of the Moroccan baccalaureate, English option, had been introduced in 2014. In addition, scientific subjects are taught in English in nine high schools, including six public ones. A framework law aimed at introducing the teaching of scientific and technical subjects in English and French at the primary and high school levels is the subject of discussions in Parliament.

The American recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and the rapprochement between the kingdom and the United Kingdom since Brexit could further precipitate the abandonment of French in favor of English. A language that can offer career prospects to Moroccan students.