Unit 4 Lesson 17.5 The Arabic Language

What role did Arabic language play in West Africa during the spread of Islam?

• It became the language of everyday speech
• It was only used by scholars
• It was not used in West Africa
• It became the language of religion, learning, commerce, and government

What was the significance of Arabic language in West Africa?

• It was used in religion, learning, commerce, and government
• It was only used in government
• It was only used in commerce
• It was only used in religion

Did West Africans stop using their native languages when they converted to Islam?

• No, they continued to use their native languages in everyday speech
• Yes, they only used Arabic
• They only used their native languages in government
• They only used their native languages in religious contexts

Why did West Africans learn Arabic?

• To write about the history and culture of West Africa
• To forget their native languages
• To communicate with other West Africans
• To read and memorize the Qur'an

Who were the scholars who came to West Africa?

• Non-Muslims
• Arabic-speaking Christians
• Non-Arabic speaking Muslims
• Arabic-speaking Muslims

What did scholars use Arabic to write about?

• Only Islamic law
• Only the history of the Songhai
• A wide variety of topics
• Only ethical behavior for business

What is the significance of the writings of Arabic-speaking scholars?

• They are only important for trade and government
• They are not important
• They are an invaluable source of knowledge about West Africa in this period
• They are only important for religious purposes

What did West African traders use Arabic for?

• To write about the history and culture of West Africa
• To keep records
• To memorize the Qur'an
• To communicate with other traders who spoke the same native language

What did rulers use Arabic for?

• To memorize the Qur'an
• To communicate with other rulers who spoke the same native language
• To write about the history and culture of West Africa
• To keep records

What was the impact of Arabic language on the spread of Islam in West Africa?

• It only impacted scholars
• It made it easier for West Africans to convert to Islam
• It had no impact
• It made it more difficult for West Africans to convert to Islam