Arabic words used in everyday Spanish
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Arabic has significantly influenced the Spanish language's evolution, leaving an indelible mark on its vocabulary, culture, and history. During the 173-year reign of the Caliphate of Cordoba in the southern Iberian Peninsula, Arabic became a dominant language, enriching Spanish with words and concepts that endure to this day. This linguistic exchange not only shaped everyday vocabulary but also contributed to fields such as science, mathematics, and agriculture, reflecting the deep cultural ties forged during this period of Islamic rule.
Exploring the origins and meanings of Arabic loanwords adds depth and richness to Spanish language lessons, offering students insights into the interconnectedness of languages and the diverse cultural heritage of the Spanish-speaking world. By embracing this linguistic heritage, learners not only expand their vocabulary but also gain a deeper appreciation for the historical and cultural complexities that have shaped the Spanish language over centuries.
In this article, we will talk about some of the most used words of Arabic origin in Hispanic countries, words that you will learn if you take Spanish language lessons and of which it is worth knowing part of their history, as it makes learning more interesting.
Arabic words used in Spanish in food
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In your Spanish language lessons, you might find it challenging to cover all the culinary vocabulary, given the vast and diverse gastronomy of Spanish-speaking countries. Arabic influence has significantly shaped Spanish cuisine, with many food items bearing phonetic Arabic origins. For instance, the Spanish word "Aceite" derives from the Hispanic Arabic "azzáyt," and "azafrán" from "azza'farán."
Moreover, even modern dietary additions like "sugar" have Arabic roots, with the Spanish "Assúkkar" extending its influence to English as "sugar" and German as "Zucker." This linguistic journey underscores the deep historical and cultural connections between languages, enriching our understanding of the evolution of culinary traditions across different cultures.
Words with rhythm: Musical instruments of Arabic origin
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In your Spanish language lessons, you'll discover many words shared with English that stem from Arabic roots. Take, for example, "Guitar" and "Guitarra," both deriving from the Arabic "quitara," with Greek origins in "kithara." Similarly, "Lute" traces back to Arabic as "Al-'ud".
Whether it's the thunderous beat of a drum set or the lively melodies of castanets, Arabic influence echoes in Spanish. "Drum" originates from Arabic "tunbur," while "castanets" find their roots in "Kasatan." Lastly, the vibrant sounds of the "Zambomba" are steeped in Arabic tradition, stemming from "sanba'".
Popular Expressions of Arabic Origin and Their Meaning
To truly sound like a native speaker, delve into the rich tapestry of expressions and idioms rooted in the era of the Caliphate of Cordoba. These linguistic treasures permeate almost all Spanish dialects, particularly Iberian Spanish spoken in Spain. For instance, the word "ojalá," used to express a desire for something to happen, originates from the Arabic "in sa'a llah", meaning "if God wills" or more precisely, "if Allah wills." In regions with a strong Christian influence, such as some Hispanic countries, you might also hear "si Dios quiere" used interchangeably.
While your Spanish language classes may initially focus on grammar and essential vocabulary, you'll soon encounter commonly used words like "hasta." This term denotes a destination to be reached or a goal to be achieved and finds its roots in the Arabic "hatta." Interestingly, this word also resonates in Portuguese as "até" or "fasta," depending on the context. Similarly, the simple yet versatile term "Guay," expressing admiration or excitement, hails from the Arabic "way" and enjoys widespread use in Spain.
In addition to these, there are expressions less prevalent in Latin America but deeply ingrained in Spanish culture, such as "fulano." Used to refer to an unspecified person, phrases like "fulano de tal" or the diminutive "fulanito de tal" trace back to the Arabic "fulan." Even expressions such as Al Trote, which means “at a brisk pace” or “at once”, comes from the Arabic “al-trott”.
Animal Names of Arabic Origin
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Many animal names in Spanish trace their roots back to Hispanic Arabic. Perhaps the most recognizable example is "Jirafa," derived from the Hispanic Arabic "zarafa," which has also found its way into English as "Giraffe," Portuguese as "Girafa," German as "Giraffe," and French as "Girafe," among other languages.
Similarly, "Alacran," used to describe certain types of scorpions, originates from the Arabic "al-'aqrab." Another example is "Boar," referring to a wild pig, which comes from the Arabic "gabalí." Even the pesky cockroach owes its name to Arabic roots, with "kukaraca". Lastly, the graceful gazelle, a type of African deer, has its English name derived from the Arabic "ghazal".
Objects with Arabic Origins
Many common objects in Spanish derive their names from Hispanic Arabic, largely due to the influence of Muslim culture during the occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. This period witnessed the introduction of advanced technologies and scientific knowledge, leading to the adoption of Arabic names for various objects that already existed or were introduced to the region.
For instance, the word "alfombra" (carpet) traces its roots back to the Arabic "al-humra," while "almohada" (pillow) originated from "al-mihadda." Similarly, "Jarra" (jug) evolved from "gárra," and "taza" (cup) from the Arabic "tassa". Lastly, the term "Azulejo" (tile) derives from "al-zulayj," which also refers to a bird species known for its striking blue color.
Conclusion
While learning Spanish doesn't equate to learning Arabic simultaneously, understanding the origins of certain words adds an intriguing layer to language learning. It not only enhances interest but also facilitates comprehension by establishing connections between words and their origins or original meanings. Explore our plans and prices to kickstart your Spanish journey, where you can delve into these and numerous other words, enabling fluent communication with Spanish speakers.
