Language/Moroccan-arabic/Grammar/Uses-of-the-Passive

◀️ Formation of Passive Constructions — Previous Lesson

Next Lesson — Music and Dance ▶️

Moroccan Arabic → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Passive Voice → Uses of the Passive

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the uses of the passive voice in Moroccan Arabic. The passive voice is an important grammatical construction that allows us to focus on the object of an action rather than the subject. By using the passive voice, we can emphasize what is being done to the object, rather than who is doing the action. This lesson will provide a comprehensive understanding of when and how to use the passive voice in Moroccan Arabic.

Formation of Passive Constructions

Before we delve into the uses of the passive voice, let's first understand how to form passive constructions in Moroccan Arabic. In the passive voice, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence, and the verb is conjugated accordingly. The agent, or the doer of the action, is often introduced using the preposition "min" (من) followed by the doer's name or pronoun.

Here is an example to illustrate the formation of passive constructions:

Moroccan Arabic	Pronunciation	English
الكتاب قراوه	L-kitāb qrāwh	The book was read

In this example, "الكتاب" (al-kitāb) is the object of the active sentence, and it becomes the subject of the passive sentence. The verb "قراو" (qrāw) is conjugated to match the subject, and the agent is introduced using the preposition "من" (min) followed by the pronoun "ه" (h) to indicate "he" as the doer of the action.

Uses of the Passive

Now that we understand how to form passive constructions in Moroccan Arabic, let's explore the various uses of the passive voice.

1. Emphasizing the Object

One of the main uses of the passive voice is to emphasize the object of an action. By using the passive voice, we draw attention to what is being done to the object, rather than who is doing the action. This can be especially useful when the object is more important or interesting than the subject.

For example:

• الكعكة طابعتها المخبزة. (L-kaʿka ṭābiʿt-ha l-mḫabbaza) - The cake was baked by the bakery.
• الباب فتحه الطفل. (L-bāb ftaḥ-hu ṭ-ṭifl) - The door was opened by the child.

In these examples, the focus is on the cake and the door, rather than the bakery or the child. The passive voice allows us to emphasize the objects of the actions, which can create a more interesting and engaging sentence structure.

2. Avoiding Explicitly Stating the Doer

Another use of the passive voice is to avoid explicitly stating the doer of the action. In some situations, it may be more appropriate or polite to omit the subject or the agent of the action. This can be particularly useful when discussing sensitive topics or when the doer is unknown or irrelevant.

For example:

• تم طلاء الجدار باللون الأزرق. (Tum ṭalāʾ l-ǧidār bil-lawn l-ʾazraq) - The wall was painted blue. (No specific painter mentioned)
• تم العثور على القطة. (Tum l-ʿuṯūr ʿalā l-qiṭṭa) - The cat was found. (No specific person mentioned)

In these examples, the focus is on the action itself, rather than the doer. By using the passive voice, we can avoid explicitly stating the subject or agent, which can be more appropriate in certain contexts.

3. Expressing General Truths or Habits

The passive voice can also be used to express general truths or habits. When we want to talk about actions that are commonly done or are universally true, the passive voice can be used to convey this meaning.

For example:

• يقرأ الكتاب في المدرسة. (Yqraʾ l-kitāb fī l-madrasa) - The book is read in school. (Implying that reading books is a common practice in schools)
• يستخدم الزيت في الطهي. (Ystaxdim ez-zayt fī ṭ-ṭahī) - Oil is used in cooking. (Implying that using oil for cooking is a common practice)

In these examples, the passive voice is used to express general truths or habits. By using the passive voice, we convey the idea that these actions are commonly done or universally true.

4. Reporting Information or Events

The passive voice is commonly used when reporting information or events. When we want to focus on the action or the event itself, rather than the person or entity responsible for it, the passive voice is a useful tool.

For example:

• تم إعلان نتائج الامتحان. (Tum ʾiʿlān natāʾiǧ al-ʾimtiḥān) - The exam results were announced.
• تم تنظيم معرض الفن. (Tum tanẓīm maʿrad al-fan) - The art exhibition was organized.

In these examples, the passive voice is used to report the action or event without focusing on the doer. This allows us to emphasize the action or event itself, rather than the person or entity responsible for it.

5. Expressing Impersonal or Objective Statements

Lastly, the passive voice can be used to express impersonal or objective statements. When we want to convey information without attributing it to any specific person or entity, the passive voice can be a useful linguistic tool.

For example:

• يقال أن الفيلة تذكر كل شيء. (Yqāl ʾan al-fīlaẗa taḏkur kull šayʾ) - It is said that elephants remember everything.
• يعتبر هذا المكان مقدساً. (Yaʿtubar haḏā l-makān muqaddasan) - This place is considered sacred.

In these examples, the passive voice is used to express impersonal or objective statements. By using the passive voice, we convey information without attributing it to any specific person or entity.

Summary

In this lesson, we have explored the uses of the passive voice in Moroccan Arabic. We have learned how to form passive constructions and examined various scenarios where the passive voice is commonly used. The passive voice allows us to emphasize the object, avoid explicitly stating the doer, express general truths or habits, report information or events, and express impersonal or objective statements. By understanding the uses of the passive voice, we can enhance our language skills and create more nuanced and engaging sentences.

Exercises

Now, let's practice what we have learned! Choose the appropriate form of the verb in the passive voice to complete the following sentences:

1. الباب ________ من قبل السائق. (فتح) 2. الورد ________ من قبل الحداد. (ماء) 3. القرار ________ من قبل الحكومة. (اتخذ) 4. الطريق ________ من قبل البلدية. (تنظيف) 5. المنزل ________ من قبل العاملين. (ترميم)

Solutions: 1. الباب فتح من قبل السائق. 2. الورد ماء من قبل الحداد. 3. القرار اتخذ من قبل الحكومة. 4. الطريق تنظيف من قبل البلدية. 5. المنزل ترميم من قبل العاملين.

Cultural Insight

In Moroccan culture, the passive voice is commonly used to avoid explicitly stating the doer of an action, especially in situations where it may be considered impolite or inappropriate to do so. This can be seen in various aspects of Moroccan society, such as official announcements, news reports, and even everyday conversations. By using the passive voice, Moroccans can maintain a sense of politeness and avoid potentially sensitive topics or issues.

Additionally, the use of the passive voice in Moroccan Arabic is influenced by the historical and cultural context of the language. Moroccan Arabic, also known as Darija, has been shaped by various linguistic influences, including Arabic, Amazigh, French, and Spanish. These influences have contributed to the unique characteristics and usage patterns of the passive voice in Moroccan Arabic.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned about the uses of the passive voice in Moroccan Arabic. You now have a solid understanding of how to form passive constructions and when to use the passive voice in different contexts. Keep practicing and incorporating the passive voice into your conversations to further enhance your language skills. Well done!

Table of Contents - Moroccan Arabic Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction

• Alphabet and Writing
• Pronunciation

  ---

Greetings and Basic Phrases

• Introducing Yourself and Others
• Asking for Directions
• Numbers and Counting

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Gender and Plurals
• Demonstratives
• Possessive Pronouns

  ---

Food and Drink

• Ordering Food in a Restaurant
• Describing Food
• Beverages and Ordering Drinks

  ---

Verbs

• Present Tense
• Past Tense
• Future Tense

  ---

House and Home

• Rooms and Furniture
• Household Chores
• Renting an Apartment

  ---

Adjectives

• Adjective Agreement
• Comparative and Superlative Adjectives

  ---

Traditions and Customs

• Weddings and Celebrations
• Greetings and Etiquette

  ---

Prepositions

• Directional Prepositions
• Temporal Prepositions

  ---

Transportation

• Taking a Taxi
• Public Transportation

  ---

Imperative Mood

• Affirmative Imperative
• Negative Imperative

  ---

Shopping and Bargaining

• Shopping for Clothes
• At the Market
• Bargaining and Haggling

  ---

Historical Sites and Landmarks

• The Medina
• Kasbahs

  ---

Relative Clauses

• Direct and Indirect Object Clauses
• Relative Pronouns

  ---

Health and Emergencies

• At the Hospital
• Emergencies and First Aid

  ---

Passive Voice

• Formation of Passive Constructions
• Uses of the Passive

  ---

Leisure and Entertainment

• Music and Dance
• Sports and Activities

  ---

Holidays and Festivals

• Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha
• Ramadan

  ---

Conditional Mood

• Formation of the Conditional
• Uses of the Conditional

  ---

Regional Dialects

• Darija and Other Dialects
• Language Use and Social Context

  ---

Indirect Speech

• Reported Speech
• Indirect Questions

  ---

Weather and Climate

• Describing the Weather
• Seasons and Climate

Other Lessons

• The verb "to sleep"
• Relative Pronouns
• Possessive Case in Moroccan Arabic
• Future Tense
• Plurals
• Definite Articles in Moroccan Arabic
• The Inclusive Case in Moroccan Arabic
• Negative Imperative
• Temporal Prepositions
• Verbs "to have", "to be" and "to do"

◀️ Formation of Passive Constructions — Previous Lesson

Next Lesson — Music and Dance ▶️