Languages around the world have strongly influenced each other throughout history, allowing different languages to absorb many words and vocabulary from one another and add them to their own linguistic dictionaries. The Arabic language is considered one of the languages that have had a significant influence on various languages worldwide, including the English language, which was influenced by Arab culture and civilizational interactions among peoples. As a result of this influence, there are words in the English language of Arabic origin that have acquired numerous vocabulary items still in use today.

This article aims to shed light on the impact of the Arabic language on some English vocabulary, helping English learners acquire more words with ease and without expending a great deal of effort in learning and memorizing them, enabling them to use them effortlessly.

The Influence of the Arabic Language on English Vocabulary

The Arabic language is considered one of the oldest languages that has managed to preserve its vocabulary and rules over the ages, in comparison to some ancient languages like Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, which lost many of their words and rules. Nevertheless, Arabic has remained a living language till this day, and its learning was widespread in England during the Middle Ages.

Abelard of Bath, who was one of the foremost scholars of his time in Europe, translated astronomical tables from Arabic to Latin, leading to the introduction of two familiar expressions in mathematics into the English language: “Algebra” and “Algorithm.” The word “algorithm” is derived from the name of the mathematician al-Khwarizmi himself, while “algebra” is derived from the Arabic word “al-jabr,” which means the reunion of broken parts.

Furthermore, one can notice the use of the Arabic definite article “al” in some borrowed words in the English language, such as “Alkali” and “Alembic,” among others. Due to the increasing direct interactions between England and the Arab world, borrowed words from Arabic have multiplied and been added to the English language dictionary.

Similar Words Between English and Arabic

There are numerous well-known and widely used words in the English language that have their origins in the Arabic language. 

We can categorize these paragraphs that contain words derived from the Arabic language and commonly used in English into sections, by employing each word in a distinct sentence to illustrate its utilization in English.

The etymology of certain prominent words in the English language can be traced back to Arabic, like the term “Captain” and “Amber”.

Additionally, we can identify other words originating from Arabic, including “Algebra” and “Algorithm”.

This list also encompasses words that can be employed in everyday conversations, such as “Coffee” and “Cotton”.

Furthermore, we can list some other words utilized by individuals in their daily lives, such as “Sugar” and “Salad”.

The list also includes words that can be used in the scientific field, such as “Chemistry” and “Algorithm.”

Some words derived from the Arabic language can be used in the literary and artistic domain, like “Attar” and “Crimson.”

We can mention other words that can be used in the field of sports, such as “Zero” and “Cipher.”

The words also encompass terms that can be used in the religious context, like “Jinn” and “Kohl.”

We can also mention words that refer to famous things and animals, such as “Giraffe” and “Octopus.”

Some words derived from Arabic can be used in agriculture and medicine, like “Curcuma” and “Saffron.”

The list also includes words that can be used in the political and governmental sphere, such as “Tariff” and “Sultan.”

Words derived from the Arabic language cover various and diverse fields, such as “Waist” and “Jasmine.”

How many Arabic words are there in English?

The English language contains a significant number of words derived from the Arabic language, and you can find these words through the link mentioned in the question. Some examples of these words include:

“Alcohol”: it was used to refer to perfumes and preparations containing ethanol.

“Coffee”:It is a beverage made from roasted coffee beans.

There are many other words like “sugar,” “cotton,” “jar,” “lemon,” “lute,” “magazine,” “orange,” “zero,” “algorithm,” “sherbet,” “talisman,” “zenith,” “nadir,” “tariff,” and many more. The presence of these words reflects the cultural, commercial, and historical relationships between Arabic and English cultures.

Ultimately, as a learner of the English language, your vocabulary, which you use and hear in your native language, forms an important foundation for learning and memorizing more vocabulary and speaking fluently. You can develop your language skills comprehensively by continuously working on listening, reading, writing, and speaking, with a focus on learning new vocabulary. Learning a language is similar to a young child’s language acquisition, relying on hearing and mimicking others. With practice and exercise, you can improve your language proficiency and achieve success in effectively using the English language in the future.