Arabic and Spanish are two languages that share a fascinating history of cross-cultural, commercial and linguistic exchange. Although they belong to two different language families-Arabic to the Afro-Asiatic family and Spanish to the Indo-European-they have been in contact for thousands of years and have influenced each other during their development.
The Arabs, besides being brilliant builders and scientific geniuses, left an indelible mark on Spanish. If you’re thinking of “aceitunas” or Aladdin’s magical “alfombras”-did you know that these words, and many others you use daily, have Arabic origins? We at iNMSOL want to take you on this linguistic and cultural journey to discover how Arabic and Spanish influenced each other.
Historical introduction: when the Moors “echaron el ancla” (drop the anchor)
History teaches us that between the 8th and 15th centuries a buen number of Arabs lived in Spain. These centuries left a real imprint! Not only in castles and mosques, but also in something much more common: our language. But let’s take a step back: how was Arabic introduced to the Iberian Peninsula? The answer lies in the Muslim conquest of Spanish.
In 711, Muslim troops led by Tariq ibn Ziyad landed in Gibraltar. From there they began the conquest northward. In just seven years, most of the Iberian Peninsula was under Muslim control so that the Emirate of Cordoba was born.
The Arabs remained on the peninsula for nearly 800 years. So Arabic influenced Spanish lingustically: many words from Arabic became part of Spanish, enriching it and giving it a unique identity.
Linguistic influence shaping Spanish
Arabic and Spanish have influenced each other so much that some experts claim that 20 percent of Spanish words have Arabic origins. These include scientific, mathematical and philosophical terms, as well as words from everyday life. From vocabulary to grammar via phonology: the Arabic presence in Spanish is evident.
Spanish words with Arabic origin.
It is interesting to find out which Spanish words have Arabic origins. The following are some examples of the large number of words that form part of this group:
- Alfombra: from Arabic “al-?u?ra.”
- Algorithm: Guess what? From “al-Khw?rizm?!” (Persian mathematician and astronomer)
- Almohada: Who doesn’t need one under their head to rest at the end of the day? Thanks to “al-mikh?da,” we can. .
- Alcachofa: it is not only a vegetable with which soups and salads are made. It also comes from the Arabic “al-qarš?fa.”
- Afilado: the verb “afilarse” comes from the Arabic word “afila?”,Which means the same.
- Almíbar: this delicious liquid used to sweeten desserts originates in the Arabic word “al-mi?b?.”
- Algarabía: an expression used to describe a chaotic noise or sound. It originates in the Arabic term “al-ghar?ba,” meaning strange or rare. .
The influence is not limited to words, but Spanish grammatical structures originating in Arabic can be seen.
The Arabic imprint in Spanish grammatical structure
Spanish and Arabic share a very similar verbal structure. Both languages conjugate verbs according to subject and verbal tense, and have three forms of the past tense: remote, imperfect, and participle.
Another example is the negation form “no” before the verb. In addition, Old Spanish used the particle “al” before the infinitive to express a future action, as in Arabic.
One more aspect in which Arabic and Spanish have influenced each other is grammar. The presence of definite and indefinite articles in modern Spanish comes from Arabic and can be seen in words such as “el,” “the,” “un,” and “one.” In Spanish suffixes and prefixes are common to create new words: this custom also comes from Arabic.
These letters… Where they come from?
The Arabic alphabet also left its mark. The transcription of words and proper names into Spanish caused curiosities in spelling and pronunciation. Have you ever wondered why some words are so complex?
Plus, again for the same reason, new sounds and letters are added to Spanish. For example, the -ñ comes from the Arabic “nun.” Another example is the sound of the letter -j that corresponds to “??? in Arabic, just as “z” and “r” come from Arabic. These sounds and letters did not exist in Latin, the mother tongue of Spanish.
This combination of cultures has enriched Spanish, making it a diverse and fascinating language. Although Arabic is not an official language in Spain, its imprint still can be seen in the grammar, vocabulary, and phonetics of modern Spanish.
Influence beyond words
Let’s advance one more level
Arabic mathematics, science and philosophy were the “fashion- of the age.” As a result, they left their legacy in the terminology that is still used in Spanish today, in the 21st century. Did you know that the word “cero” comes from the Arabic word “sifr”? This mathematical concept was one among many Arab influences in the Western world.
The Muslims,also developed the decimal number system and the famous as “Arabic numerals,” currently used in almost all the world. This system included a symbol for zero, an aspect that revolutionized mathematical studies and application, as it did not exist in European mathematics.
The Arabs also made important discoveries in medicine, astronomy and chemistry. Many of the names of stars and constellations in Spanish come from Arabic, such as “Aldebarán” or “Betelgeuse.” In Spain, terms such as “alcalde” (from Arabic “al-q???”), meaning judge, were used to define local authorities.
Mosques, palaces and words
Spanish architecture and art are also influenced by the Arabs: the famous Alhambra in Granada, one of the wonders of the Islamic world, exemplifies the beauty and ingenuity of Arab architecture.
Islamic architecture is the classic relative that always stands out at family dinners. Its legacy on the peninsula is unmistakable. Muslims spread new building styles and techniques, such as horseshoe-shaped arches and domes, which can be appreciated in buildings such as the Mezquita-Catedral in Cordoba or the Giralda in Sevilla.
In addition, Islamic art is characterized by the presence of geometric and decorative elements, which can be seen in mosaics, ceramics, and tiles. In turn, these designs have Persian and Indian influences, which shows the cultural interaction between Muslim peoples.
Poetry, metaphors and passing tales
From trovadoresque poetry to contemporary novels, the influence of Arabic literature is evident in several aspects of Spanish culture. Metaphors, rhetorical figures, and run-on sentences originate there, enriching the expressiveness and beauty of the Spanish language.
We cannot forget to mention the importance of Arabic literature in the Spanish language. Over time, the tales of “The Arabian Nights,” originally written in Arabic, have been translated into several languages, including Spanish.
These fascinating and magical tales have enchanted generations of readers, transporting them to fantastic worlds of adventure, becoming a staple in Spanish popular culture.
Arabic literature has left an indelible imprint on Spanish literature and language, and its legacy lives on to the present day, allowing us to appreciate and value the richness and diversity of the Arabic literary tradition.
Are you in the mood for a good dish?
We cannot talk about the Arab influence in Spain without mentioning its impact on gastronomy. If you go crazy for paella or delight in a good tabbouleh, you have Arab cuisine to thank. And that’s not all, we also have to thank them for ingredients like rice, almonds, and sugar.
In addition to traditional dishes, Arab cuisine has also left its mark on Arab pastries. Delicious pastries and sweets made with dried fruits and honey, such as the famous alfajores and mazapanes, are a legacy of Arab pastry making. We cannot forget coffee and tea, drinks that have become an indispensable part of our gastronomic culture.
A footprint that continues
Although the Muslim conquest of Spain ended in 1492 with the expulsion of the moriscos (Muslim converts to Christianity) by the Catholic Monarchs, the Arab influence in Spanish continues to the present day. Arab influence can be seen in gastronomy, architecture, and customs.
For example, dishes such as couscous and paella have clear Arab origins, as do construction and decoration techniques in Andalusian architecture. Even some customs such as the use of the veil in brides or the siesta have origins in the Arab world.
The Arabic influence in Spanish is not limited to the era of conquest. Many words with Arabic origins have been used in modern Spanish, especially terms related to science and technology.
One example is “algorithm,” which means “calculation” in Arabic. In addition, many Spanish surnames have Arabic origins, which demonstrates the integration of culture and language into Spanish society.
For those interested in learning even more about the fascinating Arabic imprint on the Spanish language, iNMSOL offers a wide range of Spanish and culture courses that will enable you to fully appreciate and understand the influence of Arabic culture in different aspects of Spanish culture and language.
Frequently asked questions
How can I learn more about the influence of Arabic on Spanish?
You can find information and specific courses at language schools or universities specializing in Hispano-Arabic studies. You can also read books and articles on the subject.
How to recognize words of Arabic origin?
Some of the most common features of Arabic words in Spanish are the presence of long vowels, “al” at the beginning of words, and letters such as “i” and “z.” However, many words have undergone changes in spelling and pronunciation over the years.
Learning Spanish or Arabic ?
Both languages are valuable and have a rich history and culture. It depends on your personal interests and goals, however learning both can be a learning experience. Plus knowing one can help you learn the other better given the mutual influence they have had. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, after Chinese. There are many reasons to learn Spanish, so it is not surprising that many natives of other languages try to master it as well.
Arabic, on the other hand, is the fifth most spoken language in the world and is of great importance to Muslims as the sacred language of the Quran. In addition, it is a key language in the world of international trade and politics. Learning Arabic can open up many professional opportunities.
Conclusion
The fact that Arabic influenced Spanish demonstrates the cultural and historical richness of Spain. All this reminds us that diversity and coexistence are enriching. Instead of seeing differences between languages as barriers, we should appreciate them and learn from each other. It doesn’t matter whether you choose to study Arabic or Spanish: both will introduce you to new cultures and broaden your horizons.
So don’t be afraid to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of languages so you can better understand the people and the world around you.
Learning a new language is always worth it.So why not start today?
Good luck on your language journey!