Welcome to Rabat, Day 1: Linguistics, Land, and Lessons from Moroccan Teachers

April 15—After a delicious breakfast, we began the work week with welcoming remarks from the Executive Director of MACECE (the Moroccan-American Commission for Cultural and Educational Exchange,) Dr. Rebecca Geffner.  She shared that she came to Morocco in 2016-ish intending to stay for one year, and...well, you can probably guess the rest of this story.  Needless to say, she provided a warm and informative welcome to Rabat.  In "it's small world" news, I talked with her for a few moments and learned that she worked with my college roommate's brother when he was living in Rabat.  Wow! 

Quick teaser:  There's another "small world" story coming up soon.  Stay tuned! 
 
Up next, a security briefing by a special agent from the US Embassy.  His session answered one question:  Why so many flags on the drive from the Casablanca airport to Rabat?   The King! When Morocco's King Mohammed VI is driving around, flags go up to greet him and line his path.   While the agent did run through what I am assuming is a standard security briefing, two quotes stood out to me.  One: "I have worked in over 50 countries on this job, and Moroccans are among the warmest, kindest, most hospitable people."  Two (as he wrapped up):  "No offense, but I hope I don't see you again."    I'm guessing he ends all of his security briefings this way!

After the morning welcome, it was time to get to the business of learning about Moroccan language, education, and culture!  First, we heard Dr. Karim Bensoukas give an extraordinary lecture about the "Linguistic Landscape" of Morocco - which is complex and fascinating.  Many Moroccans speak three languages, and some four or five.  Pioworldlit students, let's just say that code-switching came up several times this morning!   Here he is (below), during the lecture.  I think he mentioned that English is his 4th or 5th language.   

We also heard from the thoughtful Dr. Najib Bounahai, who explained the complex history of postcolonial Morocco.    He touched on the ways that Morocco is unique in that it has deep connections to three regions:  Europe, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa.  We are starting to see how everything from language to urban planning to architecture are influenced by these three regions.

In the afternoon today, we made our way to a teaching college, the École Normale Supérieure, in Rabat.  We had the incredible pleasure of meeting many teachers-in-training.  They gave us tours of the school, presented their research, and talked with us about our work as teachers and their own plans for the future.  One presentation, "AI in Education: Opportunities and Risks for EFL Students and Trainees" generated much discussion and an exchange of ideas and questions.  I'm sure we will continue to strategize on this topic as we acknowledge that it is such an important issue for teachers across the globe! Their enthusiasm and warmth was incredible, and we could feel their excitement about becoming teachers very soon.  After many photos and more mint tea, we said goodbye, au revoir, الله يمسك علي خير, and I'm sure they could say a few more goodbyes in other languages too!  Here are a few photos and a video of our visit!  

We finished the day with a wonderful Moroccan dinner at Dar Rbatia in the center of Rabat's medina.  There was even live music! Bon Appetit and Besseha or بالصحة!