arabic-language
UK[ˈærəbɪk ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ]US[ˈærəbɪk ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ]
n
The Semitic language of the Arabs, now spoken in a variety of dialects across the Middle East and North Africa.
n
The official language of many countries in the Arab world and one of the six official languages of the United Nations.
Morpheme Breakdown
arabic
language
arabic
relating to Arabs
language
system of communication
Etymology
The term 'Arabic-language' is a modern English compound noun. Its first element, 'Arabic', traces back through Latin and Greek to the ancient Semitic root '-r-b, associated with the nomadic peoples of the Arabian Peninsula. The '-ic' suffix is a Greek-derived adjectival marker meaning 'of or pertaining to'. The second element, 'language', originates from Latin 'lingua', meaning 'tongue', which metaphorically extended to mean 'speech' or 'a particular form of speech'. The compound thus logically constructs the concept of 'the tongue pertaining to the Arabs', evolving from a geographical and ethnic descriptor into the specific name for a major world language with rich literary and religious significance.
Analysis
Structure: arabic (relating to Arabs) + language (system of communication)
- arabic: From Latin Arabicus, from Greek Arabikos, from Araps (Arab). Origin: Greek. Functional role: Adjective-forming suffix '-ic' attached to the base 'Arab', denoting pertaining to or characteristic of the Arabs.
- language: From Old French langage, from Latin lingua (tongue, speech). Origin: Latin. Functional role: Noun denoting a system of human communication.
Examples
Arabic-language newspapers have a wide circulation across the region.
She is taking a course to improve her Arabic-language skills.
The software includes an Arabic-language interface option.