Henry started the project in 2019, when he realized that there was no voice option for Darija on his Tomtom device. He decided to record his own voice instructions and upload them to his device, using a software called YDGpatch. He then shared his voice files with other Tomtom users on a Facebook group called "Tomtom Maroc Voix Darija". The group quickly gained popularity, and many users expressed their interest and appreciation for Henry's work. Some users even offered to help him improve the quality and variety of the voice instructions, by recording their own voices or suggesting new phrases.
The project has now grown to include more than 20 different voices, each with its own personality and style. Some voices are humorous, sarcastic, or friendly, while others are more formal, professional, or authoritative. Some voices use slang words, idioms, or regional expressions, while others stick to standard vocabulary. Some voices even mix Darija with other languages, such as French, English, or Spanish. The project aims to reflect the diversity and richness of Moroccan culture and language, and to provide a more enjoyable and personalized navigation experience for Tomtom users.
The project also has a SoundCloud account , where users can listen to samples of the different voices and download them for free. The project also has a YouTube channel, where users can watch videos of the voice instructions in action, and see how they react to different situations on the road. The project has received positive feedback from both Moroccan and international media outlets, who praised its creativity and originality.
Tomtom Maroc Voix Darija is a unique and innovative project that showcases the potential of Moroccan talent and technology. It is also a fun and practical way to promote and preserve the Moroccan dialect of Arabic, which is often neglected or marginalized in official settings. The project hopes to inspire more Moroccans to use their skills and passions to create useful and entertaining products for their fellow citizens and the world.
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