Which statement best explains the importance of Arabic in Songhai?

Answer 1

The importance of Arabic in Songhai can best be explained by its role as a critical language of commerce, scholarship, and administration. Arabic served as the primary language for trade and interaction with other Muslim regions, facilitating economic exchanges and diplomatic relations. Additionally, it was foundational in education and the spread of knowledge, as many scholars in the Songhai Empire were educated in Islamic teachings and contributed to various fields such as mathematics, astronomy, and literature. This linguistic connection to the broader Islamic world also helped to strengthen the cultural and religious identity of the Songhai Empire, linking it to the rich intellectual traditions of the Arab world.