 |
| Borrowing Techniques in Translation: Arabic Terms Migrating |
Here’s a detailed exploration of some terms borrowed from Arabic that have made their way into both French and English. The influence of Arabic on these languages is especially notable during the Middle Ages, when Islamic civilization was at its peak in fields like science, mathematics, and culture. Many of these terms entered French first, often through interactions during the Crusades, trade, and scholarly exchanges, and then made their way into English.
1. Algebra (French: algèbre, English: algebra): A Borrowing Technique
The term algebra comes from the Arabic word al-jabr, which means "reunion of broken parts" or "completion." This term was popularized by the Persian mathematician Al-Khawarizmi, whose works were translated into Latin and became foundational texts in the development of mathematics in Europe.
2. Alcohol (French: alcool, English: alcohol): A Borrowing Technique
The word alcohol is derived from the Arabic term al-kuḥl, which referred to a finely powdered substance, specifically kohl, used as an eyeliner. Over time, the term evolved in meaning to refer to distilled substances and, eventually, to the modern concept of alcohol.
3. Saffron (French: safran, English: saffron): A Borrowing Technique
Saffron, the spice derived from the crocus flower, traces its etymology to the Arabic word za'farān. This highly valued spice was traded extensively across the Mediterranean, bringing both the product and its name into European languages.
4. Cotton (French: coton, English: cotton): A Borrowing Technique
The word cotton comes from the Arabic quṭn. Cotton was a significant crop in the Islamic world and was introduced to Europe through trade, along with the textile knowledge that accompanied it.
5. Sugar (French: sucre, English: sugar): A Borrowing Technique
Sugar originates from the Arabic sukkar, which itself was borrowed from Sanskrit śarkarā. The cultivation and refinement of sugar were highly developed in the Arab world, and as sugar became a prized commodity in Europe, the word entered European languages.
6. Zenith (French: zénith, English: zenith): A Borrowing Technique
The term zenith comes from the Arabic samt ar-ra's, meaning "path over the head." In medieval Latin, this phrase was simplified and misinterpreted as cenit or zenit, eventually evolving into the term we use today to describe the point in the sky directly above an observer.
7. Artichoke (French: artichaut, English: artichoke): A Borrowing Technique
The word artichoke is derived from the Arabic al-kharshūf. This vegetable was introduced to Europe through trade and culinary exchanges, particularly in Mediterranean regions, leading to its integration into European diets and languages.
8. Tariff (French: tarif, English: tariff): A Borrowing Technique
Tariff comes from the Arabic word ta'rīf, meaning "notification" or "inventory of fees to be paid." The term entered European languages through trade practices, particularly in the Mediterranean, where various goods were subject to tariffs.
9. Magazine (French: magasin, English: magazine): A Borrowing Technique
The word magazine comes from the Arabic makhzan, meaning "storehouse." In French, it evolved to mean a shop or warehouse (magasin), and in English, it came to refer to a periodical publication, metaphorically a "storehouse" of information.
10. Admiral (French: amiral, English: admiral): A Borrowing Technique
Admiral is derived from the Arabic amīr al-baḥr, meaning "commander of the sea." The term was adopted into European languages during the Crusades, when interactions with the Arabic-speaking world were frequent.
Bottom Line of Borrowing Techniques in Translation
These examples illustrate the rich linguistic exchange that occurred between the Arab world and Europe. Arabic contributions to science, commerce, and culture left a lasting impact on European languages, particularly French and English. Many of these words have become so integrated into these languages that their Arabic origins are often overlooked.