Question

Select the statements that best describe the influence of trans-Saharan trade on the culture of West Africa.

The idea of democracy was spread

A new irrigation system was developed to grow crops in the region

Islam was spread throughout the region

The first system of writing was introduced to the people of West Africa

The Arabic language became more widely spoken

Answer 1

- Islam was spread throughout the region — True. Muslim merchants, scholars, and clerics traveling the trade routes brought Islam to West African states (e.g., Mali, Songhai).

- The Arabic language became more widely spoken — True. Arabic (and Arabic literacy) spread with Islamic education, trade, and administration.

Not chosen: the idea of democracy, new irrigation systems, and the claim that a "first system of writing" was introduced (Arabic script did spread, but calling it the first system of writing in West Africa is inaccurate).