Visit the Berber Museum at Majorelle Garden

Visit the Berber Museum at Majorelle Garden

 
Located in the heart of Marrakech, the Majorelle Garden is an oasis in a busy city, and one of its most popular attractions. In addition to enjoying the beauty and tranquility of nature, visitors can learn some fascinating facts about the Berbers of Morocco when visiting the Majorelle Garden at the museum which displays the personal collection of Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé, who until recently were the patrons of the garden created by French artist Jaques Majorelle (1886-1962).

Pierre Bergé was long fascinated by the rich culture and art of the Berber people and identified with their need to have their culture, including their language, acknowledged and preserved. The new Moroccan Constitution which was adopted in July 2011, officially recognized and formalized the Amazigh language of the Berber people, reconfirming the thoughts of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in a speech in Mar 2011 where he state that the plurality of the Moroccan identity is united and enriched by its diversity, which includes the Amazigh, the common heritage of all Moroccans.

Imazighen, or Berbers, form the foundation of indigenous North African people, with their origin believed to stretch back more than 9,000 years. They are unified by their language and culture which they have maintained over the centuries, despite some tumultuous times. The culture has a sense of community, a strong bond to the earth and a deep relationship with the sacred. The recognition afforded it by the new Constitution of Morocco will help ensure the Berber culture is preserved into the future.

Jacques Majorelle beautifully captured the emotions, colors and spirit of the Berber culture in his artworks, many of which are displayed at the Berber Museum. Other items on display include traditional handcrafted items in leather, pottery, basketry and woodworking. Decorative geometric patterns are very evident in household and decorative items, as well as those used in rituals. Ornaments and jewelry on display include intricately crafted headdresses, brooches, necklaces and earrings. Materials and techniques used in creating jewelry are varied, with filigree, engraving, carving, enamel-work and molding producing unique items. Depending on the region and local availability, jewelry incorporates silver, coral, amber and amazonite.

A section of the museum is devoted to displaying traditional clothing worn at various festive occasions such as weddings and moussems. While certain aspects are uniform, and therefore readily identified with the Berber culture, there is room for great diversity, with jewelry and accessories reflecting personal tastes. Certainly, a visit to the Berber Museum at the Majorelle Garden will provide much insight into this fascinating and ancient culture.



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Language & Cultural Immersion Program in Marrakech

Language & Cultural Immersion Program in Marrakech


Spend your Holiday in Marrakech and take part in cultural significant activities. Learn Arabic in Marrakesh, enjoy your Arabic learning vacation in this “Red City” or “Al Hamra," is located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Morocco’s second-largest city its beauty lies in its atmosphere and its Spectacular location, with the extraordinary peaks of the Atlas Mountains rising up behind the city. You will take part in courses which will give you the opportunity to learn common phrases in the Arabic language, visit museums and historical sites. This program enables you to get a real inside view on the Moroccan culture.

Participants will receive cultural exposure each week to include the introductory Arabic instruction. A strong emphasis on culture is desired with guided tours and interaction with people of Morocco . The majority of the time is requested to be spent in culturally significant activities. Examples: museums, historical sites, unique topographical features impacting the culture, significant social, ethnic and /or religious focal points, …

We offer short or long term language courses and total cultural immersion in Morocco. Studying in Morocco, in the country a language is spoken is the most effective way to learn Arabic language. Enjoy year round Arabic language program for "Adults", junior summer language camps & programs for "Teenagers" and affordable credit-bearing opportunities.



   



Our Marrakesh location offers both Classical and Moroccan Arabic year-round. Our brand new building provides comfortable classrooms, a computer lab with free internet access as well as the opportunity for interaction with local Moroccans who study English.

Students can choose between Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) or Colloquial Moroccan Arabic (CMA). Our program caters to all language levels. The standard program is three hours a day/15 hours per week. For more intensive hours, please contact us. All of our instructors are university degreed in the teaching of MSA and CMA Arabic.


The institute offer language exchange opportunities wile interacting with young Moroccans who study English.


Modern Standard Arabic:                                                        

Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) : Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is the written language of Arabic. In its classical form it is the language of the Holy Koran. In its everyday use it is the language of newspapers and is also widely heard on radio and television. MSA is a' used living' language used by educated people and intellectuals.

Our core curriculum is divided into nine levels. The first six levels' primary components are an intensive study of basic Arabic language grammatical structures, mastery of Arabic script and pronunciation. Throughout this programme emphasis is placed on developing the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading & writing), with added emphasis placed on communication through conversation classes.

The later three levels of our programme introduce students to more advanced aspects of Arabic, like translation, complex grammar structure, reading analysis, in addition to discussion and presentation courses that help students develop and refine their communicative proficiency.

Moroccan Colloquial Arabic:                                                    

This Arabic language course introduces the students to Moroccan Colloquial Arabic through activities emphasizing the functional aspect of the dialect. This course covers the basic grammatical structure of the dialect and aims to expand students' vocabulary and develop their oral skills through interaction with native speakers, film discussions, and other interactive activities. This Arabic course can be more immersed in the rich Moroccan culture through proverb studies.

Spoken Arabic:                                                                          
Students not particularly interested in learning Moroccan dialect, yet wishing, however, to learn a more “relaxed” and communicative standard Arabic, could take, in addition to MSA group classes, private lessons in Spoken Arabic. Unlike MSA, which is spoken exclusively in formal situations (by radio and TV broadcasters, academic lecturers, religious preachers, etc.), Spoken Arabic could be used by any literate Arabic native speaker who cares about using the right language structure but maintains her/his local dialect characteristics. In this program, the system of levels is structured according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

The textbook used for Spoken Arabic lessons, allows students to practice the standard language they learn in MSA classes, to use it for communication in daily life situations and to get used to listening and understanding the different Arab dialects and accents.

Group Classes:                                                                        
Our group classes are designed to provide instruction over any duration from one week to a complete academic year. Students can choose to start their classes any Monday throughout the year. Classes are held in small size groups five days a week, from Monday to Friday. Both our MSA and CMA courses consist of three levels of studies; each level is divided into three successive and progressive sublevels. Each sublevel is generally covered in three weeks. Students with prior knowledge of Arabic are expected to take an evaluation test in order to receive proper placement in the program.



Private Classes:                                                                      
Our private classes provide one-on-one language instruction to students at all levels of Arabic language proficiency. Students benefit from flexible course length and structure. They can choose their desired starting date, their preferred timetable and the number of hours they wish to study.



METHODS & MATERIAL

The students begin to understand and to speak the Arabic language as soon as possible accompanied by a solid learning method, with a grammatical base developed within a communicative context.

Our method is designed specially for foreign students and we emphasize communication by using much interaction. Covering all aspects of language learning (speaking, listening, writing and reading skills), our high-quality Arabic programs are specially designed for foreign students and are taught in English.

Our association offers the following facilities: video, satellite TV facilities, online Arabic cession per week…..  

The friendly environment will surely help expressing yourself.

TOURIST AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

After classes are over for the day, our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture and customs. Our optional cultural and social activities allow you to make new friends among your new classmates, experience cultural activities together and practice your new language skills in real life situations.

These are the first things that come to mind when speaking about free time. Participants will probably be interested to visit some local art galleries or museums, see the sights, get to know the local countryside/seaside, etc.
Being a student is a chance for you  to get to know the country "from the inside", and experience more than a normal tourist.

Every weekend, on both Saturday and Sunday, a choice of excursions and socio-cultural activities is offered - all optional. Some people do everything, every weekend - others pick and choose based on what interests them

At the weekend many students can arrange to take excursions to local cities or local places of interest. These excursions cost between ($10-$40), as they are normally full day or full weekend excursions and could include (transport, meals entrance fees and even accommodation).



Students may choose from the accommodation options detailed below:

a Homestay with a Moroccan family

a hotel room, hostel bed

a private apartment

Students can also experience more than an option.



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MARRAKECH

MARRAKECH
The other Morocco

Marrakech is not only a fantastic city, it is also a symbol of the Morocco that once was, and which still survives here. The streets of the old and pink city have been too narrow to allow effective introduction of cars. And tourists searching for the "real" Morocco have turned the medieval structures of Marrakech into good business.
The hordes of tourists that come here all through the year have still not managed to destroy the character. Actually, their high number contribute in a positive way to preserve things. The inhabitants are truly proud of their city's fame, and Moroccans all over the country never let down an opportunity to visiting.
The most worthwhile tourist traps are centred to a rather small zone, starting in the north with the suuqs, continuing through the town square of Jemaa l-Fna with its crowd of storytellers, musicians and the Koutoubia mosque which minaret is visible from practically anywhere in Marrakech.
Going beyond this, the Menara gardens, by young Marrakechians considered as the most romantic place in town, is high up on the list. But don't forget to visit one of the many examples of sights left by the many Europeans and Americans who fell so much in love with Marrakech that they constructed their palaces and gardens here.
Marrakech' reputation as a pot of hustlers is not undeserved, but few things happen here that can't be handled. If you show respect, and keep your things close to your body, and remain alert in a crowds, nothing bad will happen to you. Marrakech' old quarters has many poor people with few chances to find regular work. But in recent years, an effective tourist police has helped conditions considerably.
What is central in order to understand the position that Marrakech has, is that it never has been Arabic, always Berber. While Arabs and Berbers mingle in most parts of Morocco, Marrakech remains a bastion of Berber culture. It was its own centre in the struggle against the French earlier this century, and could have become a capital in a country away from Morocco if history had wanted it differently. Anyway, its position has been strong for such a long period, that it is from 'Marrakech' that 'Morocco' is derived.
Marrakech is situated close to the Atlas mountains, and on most days you can see blue mountains covered with snow over the rooftops. Marrakech has been a resort for many years, and comes with all the luxury those being able to pay for it, could demand. The setting of Marrakech is splendid, the city exceptionally beautiful, and the liveliness almost never ending. The city offers most sorts of activities, from pool swimming in hotels to excursions to the mountains, which in winter time involves skiing.
But Marrakech is also a place of questionable reputation. True or not true, the story goes that just 40 years ago, one out of every three woman was a prostitute, either full time or once in a while. Children were no exception in this, but the child prostitution scene described by Nobel price laureate Elias Canetti in his 1950's travelogue The Voices of Marrakech is fortunately gone.
Marrakech is a city of history, and all with a few days to pass here must see the beautiful, large mosque and madrasa of Ben Yussef inside the large suuq, that begins at the northern side of Jemaa l-Fna. For deeper understanding of Moroccan architecture, the Almoravid koubba, 20-30 metres south of the mosque of Ben Yussef. Palaces like El-Bahia, El-Badi and Dar Si Said were built to please the senses, while those who cannot get enough of gardens can still feel old greatness in Agdal garden.



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