Bridging Cultures
Some languages have very strong similarities. For example, English and German are 60% similar, and English and French are about 30% similar. English and Spanish are also remarkably similar. Where languages are similar, it is common to find strong cultural similarities as well. English is considered by many to be completely unrelated to Arabic, creating yet another divide between the East and West.
Bridging Cultures Through Language
Although we tend to hold a romantic view of Europe’s Middle Ages, it was actually a time of uncertainty, warfare, illiteracy, tyrannical rule, invading armies, and large-scale ignorance. Following the Arab conquests in the Middle East, Arabs from North Africa moved into Spain and helped civilize a society that had been ravaged by the Dark Ages. These settlers, known as Moors, brought math, architecture, writing, literature, and many other contributions to Medieval Spain. Though they were expelled by Ferdinand and Isabella in the 15th century, their contributions can still be seen today. For example, prior to Arab culture seeping into Europe, the only number system used was Roman numerals. Complex calculations were impossible with this cumbersome system. However, the Arabs brought in a system of numerals that enabled engineering and architecture to flourish. In fact, today the number system that we use today is called Arabic numerals.
Cultural bridging
It was during the time of the Moors that the Spanish language began to evolve into what it is today. With the Arab Muslims living next to the Spanish Christians and Jews, and in a high degree of peace, the Arabic language seeped into Spanish. Today, many Spanish words bear a strong resemblance to their Arabic counterparts. For example, the classical Arabic word for “woman” is “emra’aeh,” and the Spanish word is “hombra.” The two are pronounced almost exactly the same.
It was at the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance that modern English began to develop. English is a conglomeration of many European languages, including German, French, and Spanish. Many Arabic words that transitioned into the Spanish vocabulary found their way into English. For example, the Arabic word “‘amin” means “trust” or “security.” And the English word “amnesty” means that two groups have formed a mutual trust. The Arabic word “karsh” means “shark.” It is rather astonishing that the two words are almost exactly the same, with the letters in reordered.
Our numeral system and many English and Spanish words are only two examples of how modern Western civilization has many of its roots in Arab culture. We truly are indebted to our Arab predecessors, and would do well to remember that.
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