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Arabic's global reach -

Arabic, spoken by over 400 million people worldwide, has significantly influenced many languages, especially in regions like the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe.

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Mathematical terminology -

During the Golden Age of Islam, Arabic became the universal language of mathematics, with scholars like Al-Khwarizmi pioneering concepts that shaped the field. The term "algebra" itself originates from the Arabic word al-jabr.

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Philosophy -

Islamic philosophers like Avicenna and Averroes translated Greek philosophical texts into Arabic. Concepts like "metaphysics" and "ontology" stem from Arabic philosophical terminology.

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Scientific advancements -

Arabic scholars made groundbreaking contributions to science, and many scientific terms, such as "alchemy" (al-kimiya) and "elixir" (al-iksir), trace their origins to Arabic.

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Arabic numerals -

Arabic numerals (zero to nine) are widely used for writing numbers, including in positional notation and various bases like octal. Known as Hindu-Arabic or Western Arabic numerals, they replaced older systems and spread globally, particularly after Fibonacci's 13th-century work.

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The origin of "zero" -

The concept of zero was popularized through Arabic mathematics. The term comes from the Arabic word ṣifr, which evolved into "cipher" in English.

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Vocabulary in astronomy -

Arabic has deeply influenced the vocabulary of astronomy. Words like "azimuth," "zenith," and "albedo" come from Arabic, stemming from the importance of astronomy in Islamic culture.

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The spread of Islam -

Arabic became the liturgical language of Islam, and as the religion spread, so did the language, impacting regions across Africa, Asia, and Europe.

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The influence of the Quran -

Arabic unites over 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide, influencing cultures, art, and literature across the world.

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Influence on Spanish -

During the Moorish rule in the Iberian Peninsula, Arabic had a profound impact on the Spanish language, contributing over 4,000 words, many of which are still used today, shaping the linguistic landscape of the region.

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Influence on Portuguese -

Arabic also has had a profound impact on Portuguese, especially in vocabulary related to science, commerce, and agriculture. Words like azulejo (tile) date back to the Moorish occupation of the region.

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Culinary influence -

Many foods in Western cuisine have names with Arabic roots, reflecting the historical exchanges between Arabic-speaking and European cultures through trade. For example, the word "syrup" comes from the Arabic šarāb, and "coffee" is derived from the Arabic qahwa.

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Contributions to medicine -

Arabic medical texts, translated into Latin during the 12th century, were pivotal in shaping European medicine. Works by scholars like Avicenna and al-Razi introduced advanced concepts in surgery, anatomy, and pharmacology.

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Calligraphy -

Arabic calligraphy is one of the most admired art forms worldwide. Its influence can be seen in modern graphic design, with flowing script inspiring design trends in the West.

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Political terminology -

Many modern political terms have Arabic origins, like "caliphate" and "emir," reflecting the political structures in historical Arab societies.

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The Arabic alphabet's impact -

The Arabic script, with its cursive style and unique structure, influenced the development of other writing systems, such as Persian (pictured), Urdu, and even some African scripts.

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Trade and commerce vocabulary -

Arabic contributed numerous words related to commerce and trade, including "bazaar," as trade routes across the Arab world facilitated cultural exchanges.

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Arabic influence in India -

Arabic influenced languages like Urdu and Hindi, particularly through Persian, which was used as a language of administration in many Mughal courts.

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North Africa -

The spread of the Arabic language and culture in North Africa has influenced local languages like Berber, enriching them with Arabic vocabulary and expressions.

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Southeast Asia -

In Southeast Asia, Arabic significantly impacted the Malay and Indonesian languages, especially in religious terms, due to the spread of Islam.

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Africa -

Arabic significantly influenced African languages like Swahili and Hausa through trade, religion, and scholarship. Swahili adopted many Arabic terms, such as kitabu (book) and salama (peace), while Hausa incorporated Arabic words related to religion, law, and governance.

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Arabic's impact on Turkish -

Turkish adopted many Arabic words during the Ottoman Empire, especially in fields like science, religion, and education. However, language reforms later simplified Turkish, reducing the influence of Arabic in everyday usage.

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A rich literary tradition -

Arabic literature, especially works like 'One Thousand and One Nights,' has inspired writers worldwide, influencing contemporary novelists through its storytelling, symbolism, and cultural richness.

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Influence on music -

Arabic music significantly influenced genres like flamenco and fado. The use of complex rhythms, scales, and emotional depth in both traditions can be traced back to Arabic musical contributions during centuries of cultural exchange in Spain and Portugal.

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Arabic across religions -

Arabic isn't exclusive to Muslims, it's also spoken by Christian and Jewish communities in countries like Lebanon, Egypt, and Syria. These groups use Arabic in daily life, literature, and religious practices, reflecting its broad cultural significance.

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UNESCO recognition -

In 2010, UNESCO established December 18 as World Arabic Language Day, celebrating Arabic's vital role in global culture, education, and heritage.

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Arabic -

Ultimately, Arabic has profoundly influenced many languages globally, especially in vocabulary. It has contributed to languages like Spanish, Swahili, Urdu, and Turkish, shaping religious, academic, and everyday terms. In some cases, entire languages, like Maltese, evolved from Arabic roots.

Sources: (BBC) (The Guardian) (Babbel) 

See also: What are the oldest words in the English language?

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