Exploring Moroccan Culture and Family Dynamics

Moroccan Mother In Law : How to win her heart ?

Morocco is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the art of living and the gentleness of a country that is thousands of years old. This country is at the cutting edge of development, yet has no desire to let go of its history. That, among other things, is its advantage. Its traditions are still very much alive. The country is distinguished by its nomadic, Arab and European influences.

Moroccans are honest with each other and maintain a sacred, fraternal relationship. They are hard workers from generation to generation and are very good at negotiating. Hospitality is a duty for them, as it is part of their tradition. However, they can be demanding when it comes to their wealth or solidarity.

Morocco's official religion is Islam. The religious leader of Moroccans is King Mohammed VI. They are 99% Muslim, particularly Sunni.

What's more, Morocco is renowned for its beautiful people! Yes, ladies, Moroccans are very handsome men! In this article, we're going to look at how you, the bride and groom- to-be, can communicate with your mother-in-law! Understanding this complex cultural web is essential for a foreign woman who wants to integrate harmoniously into Moroccan society and establish deep ties with her mother-in-law.

But first, let's learn more about Moroccan families and their cultures!

Significance of Family in Moroccan Culture

Considered to be the backbone of the social edifice, the family is particularly important in Moroccan society. Its role as the basic institution of the social order is evident in the many functions it is accustomed to assuming. The FAMILY is the ultimate factor of solidarity and the main vehicle for society's essential values, and in these times of crisis it is called upon more than ever to fulfill this dual function to the full.

The members of a family must live in the same dwelling and be related to each other by blood, adoption or marriage. They may form one or more family groups, plus one or more isolated individuals, known as individual groups.

You've guessed it! The family plays a central role. For Moroccans, the family is very important and crucial. They can't live without each other. And if someone wants to harm someone in the Moroccan family, everyone in that family will defend that person by any means necessary.

Understanding these family dynamics is crucial to building lasting relationships, especially with a mother-in-law.

Roles and Respect in Moroccan Families

Many values lie at the heart of Moroccan culture. Moroccans attach great importance to solidarity between members of the same family and even between neighbors. Indeed, "Islam insists that a good Muslim is a good neighbor and must do everything possible to maintain good relations and contact with (...) his neighbors".

Moroccan families are often structured hierarchically, with elders playing a central role in decision-making. Respect for elders is deeply rooted in the culture. Indeed, in Moroccan culture, people have enormous respect for older people: "The respect owed to the elderly and their care by younger people is one of the cardinal values of Moroccans". Younger family members are encouraged to listen and learn from their elders, creating a balance between tradition and modernity. Grandparents are listened to and considered, and when they are ill, they stay in the family home until they die.

In Morocco, customs, laws and regulations are in line with Islamic practices and beliefs. Social and religious traditions must be respected.
Certain actions are punishable by penalties or imprisonment. Here are a few examples to be observed if you are a foreigner and wish to join a Moroccan family:

It’s forbidden to consume alcohol in public.

Penalties for drug possession are severe.

Public displays of affection are frowned upon.

Sexual relations outside marriage are illegal. Couples unable to produce proof of marriage may be refused permission to stay together in a hotel room.

Effective Communication Strategies:

To win your mother-in-law's heart, you need to learn effective communication strategies.

Polite expressions and common phrases.

You can use the following phrases or expressions when talking to your mother-in-law:

Some women call their mother-in-law "mama", which means mother. Because according to Moroccans, your husband's mother is your mother too.

"Sbah lkheir khalty! Nhar kbir hada." ( Hello aunt/mother-in-law! It's a great day to have you here)

"Ajebni dawk dyalek" (I like your taste)

Dialogue or two as an example of what you can talk about with a mother in law.

Here, we'll give you an example of a simple everyday discussion between a daughter-in- law and a mother-in-law.

"Salam Khalty. Kidayra? Labas?" (Hello auntie. How are you? Are you well?)

"Salam benti. Hamdulilah o nty?" (Hello my daughter. Thank God and you?)

"Ta ana" (Me too).

"Ljaw zouin lyum. Bghiti nkhrjo? (The weather is nice today. Do you want to go out?

"Li dertiha khalty ana meak. Fin bghiti nmchiw a zouina ? (I'll do whatever you want. Where do you want to go, beautiful?)

"Finma kan a benti. Maendich mouchkil" (Anywhere daughter. I have no problem.)

Expressing Yourself Respectfully

Dear future daughter-in-law, respectfully expressing your thoughts and feelings in your relationship with your mother-in-law is essential to building a strong and harmonious bond. Listen actively to her perspectives, choose your words carefully and use "I" phrases to express your opinions without creating conflict. Keep calm, be empathetic, and consider non-verbal communication to reinforce the sincerity of your words.

The key to winning the heart of your future mother-in-law in Morocco lies in the affection and interest you show her. It's crucial to show her that she occupies a special place in your life, almost comparable to that of your own mother. Show your care by giving her thoughtful gifts, such as jewelry, bags or decorative items, to suit her tastes. This relationship-building approach strengthens bonds and creates a meaningful personal connection.

Handling Misunderstandings and Disagreements

To manage misunderstandings and disagreements with your Moroccan mother-in-law, adopt strategies based on open communication and mutual respect. If you have a difference of opinion, take the time to listen carefully to her perspective. And try to understand her feelings and concerns. Choose your words carefully to express your own feelings clearly and respectfully.

If there is a cultural disagreement, encourage mutual education, share your perspectives and be open to learning from their culture. If tensions persist, consider using a family mediator to facilitate dialogue and promote mutual understanding. The aim is to promote constructive communication and preserve harmony within the family, by finding solutions that respect cultural and individual differences.