Classes, bargaining, and a new language!
Today’s class sessions at the Center for Cross Cultural Learning began with learning Arabic and the art of negotiating. Both class sessions were incredibly unique, and I found myself enjoying trying out different phrases and greetings in Arabic. Trying to hold a conversation with another person was really fun, even though I started out strong, I learnt that the more complex the phrases become, the harder it becomes to pronounce certain things and keep note of gendered words. However, I am positive that I will improve over the next two weeks of my stay in Morocco and interacting with everyone!
As someone who has grown up multilingual, I have always been surrounded by various traditions, cultures, and dialects flowing in and out. At home, I speak fluently in Marathi with my family. Though, given my travels to India over the years, I have picked up Hindi and Gujarati by simply being surrounded in the environment, whether that was being in the room when my grandfather handled business deals, or being a witness to my aunt arguing over fair prices with a taxi driver. Not only that, but I have studied Spanish in school for the past 8 years and will continue to do so for my Global Management major. Even without realizing it, language has always been a core part of my foundation growing up, and I believe it has shaped not only how I view the world, but how I interact with it.
When asked what do I prefer, learning a new language or bargaining, I’d pick learning a new language any day. Zero hesitation.
Language opens a door, ultimately, anywhere you go. This afternoon, we were tasked with going out and bargaining with the 30 Dirhams the CCCL provided for us, as a way to experience Moroccan culture in the souks. One of the most impactful exchanges I made was with a local shopkeeper, Shafi, who sold handmade, painted clay pieces he made himself. I greeted him in Arabic and began asking about the art he sells. This, I believe, intrigued him. Rather than instantly bargaining, I conversed with him, asking him about his art and how he makes it. He eagerly showed me pictures from his youth, showcasing how long he had been in this trade, and it’s been a while for him, but he is happy to do so, as it has allowed him to support his children through university. His English was surprisingly very good, unlike most shopkeepers you would encounter in the Medina, and I learned that he first learned classical Arabic as it has rules that are clearer and translatable to other languages, such as English. He enhanced his English through interacting with tourists and immersing himself in books and history, as a form of passion rather than work. We talked about our lives and the differences our cultures hold. In the end, I walked away with a mini ceramic Tajine, which I was able to negotiate for 20 Dirhams instead of 40, and a very memorable encounter with a local. Soon after, I was able to spend the remaining 10 Dirhams on a coaster, which I knocked down from 20. I like to collect coasters from every place I visit, and I’m very excited to add this one to my growing collection!
Language and bargaining are both vital skills in this culture, I have learned today. However, one cannot exist without the other. My efforts to speak in their Native language and hold a meaningful conversation went miles beyond what I could have imagined. Add in bargaining, and I was able to experience Morocco for the first time. Not as a visitor, but as more of a local and someone trying to embrace the culture.
My day wrapped up with returning to markets with my friends. I loved being able to walk around and take mental notes of what I plan to shop for! Soon after, I went back to my friend Yoana’s family stay, where we were able to enjoy the stunning views of the Medina from the rooftop! Their house is a traditional Medina home, showcasing multiple stories, an open middle, and a great terrace. It was a great way to unwind and relax as we watched the sunset from up there. My night ended with returning home for dinner, and meeting my host sister for the first time!
Today marks my first full day in Rabat! I’m excited to see what tomorrow has in store!
