Becca: Can you tell me a bit about yourself—your name, where you're from, what you study, and what led you to where you are today?

Ezzarhouni: My name is Mohamed Ezzarhouni, and I’m from Casablanca, Morocco. Currently, I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Drexel University. I studied in a French high school, where most students naturally followed the path of higher education in France since it was the easiest and most direct option. Almost everyone in my high school was preparing to study in France, as the system was designed for that transition. However, I chose to go to the US. instead because I wanted a different experience, better opportunities in the tech field, and access to a globally competitive education. While the path to studying in France was more straightforward, I believed that coming to the US would open more doors in the long run, both academically and professionally.

Becca: What was your experience with French growing up in Morocco? Did it feel like a natural part of your life, or was it something you had to actively adapt to? How did it shape your education, social life, or even the way you see yourself?

Ezzarhouni: Growing up in Morocco, French was a very natural part of my life because I attended a French school for my entire education. From a young age, I was immersed in French culture, history, and language, both academically and socially. This was further reinforced by the fact that my entire family speaks French fluently, so it never felt like something I had to actively adapt to. It was just part of my everyday reality.

French played a huge role in shaping my education, as my schooling followed the French curriculum, which is quite different from the Moroccan public education system. It provided me with a different perspective on global history, philosophy, and science, as everything was taught from a French lens. Socially, it allowed me to connect with people who had a similar background, but it also set me apart in certain situations where not everyone spoke French fluently.

Looking back, I think being bilingual gave me an advantage when I was applying to universities because I had the ability to choose between pursuing higher education in a French-speaking country or an English-speaking one. This cultural duality broadened my options and helped shape my identity as someone who navigates easily between different cultural influences.

Becca: Morocco is a multilingual country, and people constantly switch between languages like Arabic, Tamazight, French, and English. How do you personally navigate these languages in your daily life? Are there certain situations (at home, school, work, or socially) where you feel more comfortable using one over the others?

Ezzarhouni: In Casablanca, not everybody speaks Tamazight except for people who come from the south of Morocco, where it is more commonly used. The dominant languages in the city are Moroccan Arabic and a little bit French. Since I was in a French high school, I primarily spoke French in an academic setting, but outside of school, Moroccan Arabic was more common in daily interactions.

At home, my family spoke a mix of Moroccan Arabic and French, often using both languages in the same sentence. Socially, it depended on the group I was with. French was dominant among classmates from my school, while Moroccan Arabic was the go-to language in broader social settings.

Recently, there has been a growing shift towards English, especially among students and young professionals. Many people now see English as more beneficial for career growth and international opportunities. While French remains important, English is becoming the preferred language in many professional and educational spaces.

Becca: In your experience, how has speaking French impacted access to education, jobs, and social mobility in Morocco? Do you think it still holds the same level of importance today, or have you noticed a shift toward English or Arabic in professional and social spaces? What do you think is driving this change?

Ezzarhouni: French has historically been essential for education and jobs in Morocco, especially in fields like law, finance, and engineering. Many top universities and businesses still operate in French, making it a valuable skill for career advancement. However, there is a clear shift toward English, driven by globalization, the tech industry, and Morocco’s growing international ties beyond France. Students today prioritize English for better opportunities, and many companies now require English proficiency. While French remains influential, English is becoming the preferred language for future generations.

Becca: Beyond the historical connection, how do you see France maintaining its influence in Morocco today? Do you notice it in areas like media, education, business, or cultural institutions? Can you give any specific examples of how this influence plays out in everyday life?

Ezzarhouni: France still has a strong presence in Morocco through media, education, and business. French remains widely used in universities, government, and corporate sectors. French companies like Renault and Carrefour operate in Morocco, and institutions like the Institut Français promote French culture. However, Morocco is diversifying its global partnerships, and English is becoming more important. While France’s influence remains significant, Morocco is gradually shifting toward a more international and English-speaking landscape.

Becca: A lot of young Moroccans are turning to English, whether in school, work, or pop culture. Do you think this means French is losing its influence, or is it just Morocco expanding its linguistic landscape? What do you think is driving this shift, and how do you see it affecting Morocco’s relationship with France and the rest of the world?

Ezzarhouni: French is still deeply embedded in Moroccan society, but there is a clear expansion of the linguistic landscape with a growing emphasis on English. This shift does not necessarily mean French is losing its influence overnight, but rather that Morocco is adapting to a more globalized world. English is increasingly seen as the language of business, technology, and international opportunities, which makes it more attractive to younger generations.

Several factors are driving this change, including the rise of social media, international education, and Morocco’s growing economic partnerships beyond France. Many students now prefer to study in English-speaking countries, and companies are seeking employees with strong English skills to compete in global markets. While Morocco still maintains strong ties with France, this shift towards English could gradually lessen France’s cultural and economic influence. However, rather than replacing French, English is adding another dimension to Morocco’s multilingual identity, making it more connected to a broader international network.

Becca: Now that you're studying in the U.S., has being outside of Morocco changed the way you see its linguistic landscape? Do you think French, Arabic, Tamazight, and English play different roles than you once thought? Looking ahead, where do you see the balance between these languages shifting, and what do you think will influence that change?

Ezzarhouni: Now that I am in the United States, I realize how much of an advantage it was to have studied in a French high school. It allows me to easily connect with people from France and other French-speaking countries, as I was from France myself in terms of education and culture. This has been a huge asset, both socially and academically. Being outside of Morocco has also made me more aware of how languages play different roles depending on the context. French still dominates education and professional settings in Morocco, but English is becoming more relevant, especially in international business and technology. Arabic remains the foundation of Moroccan identity, and Tamazight is gaining more recognition. Looking ahead, I see English continuing to grow in importance, especially as Morocco strengthens its ties with global markets and diversifies its partnerships beyond France. The shift will likely be influenced by education policies, business demands, and the increasing accessibility of English through digital platforms.

Becca: Before we wrap up, is there anything we haven’t covered that you think is important when talking about French language diplomacy and soft power in Morocco? Any personal stories or insights you’d like to share?

Ezzarhouni: The reality is that the more you go up socially, the less Arabic you find, and French becomes more dominant. It is a hard thing to say because not everybody has access to a French education, which makes it a privilege rather than just a linguistic choice. For example, in a bank appointment or a high-end business setting, you are going to communicate in French because it is associated with a higher social level. This creates a kind of linguistic divide where French is often linked to prestige, while Arabic is more commonly spoken in everyday life.

French influence is also evident in Moroccan culture, particularly in food. French-style bakeries are everywhere, and pastries like croissants and éclairs are just as common as traditional Moroccan sweets. Even in lifestyle and fashion, many Moroccans look to France as a reference. While Morocco is embracing English and other global influences, French remains deeply embedded in many aspects of daily life.