The Arabic Language and its Economic Impact in the Nigerian Society

Abstract

This study examines the economic functions that the Arabic language performs in the Nigerian society—functions that are multifaceted and extend beyond religious and educational domains, being closely linked to commercial activity and economic relations. This study is significant for highlighting the economic role that Arabic plays in the Nigerian society and demonstrating its deep-rooted historical presence. The researcher adopted the descriptive analytical approach, which involves describing and analyzing the linguistic phenomenon to achieve the intended outcomes. These include demonstrating that Arabic serves as a tool for correspondence, contracts, and negotiations between Arab and Nigerian traders, as well as the contribution of the "Kurmi Market" in Kano—a regional hub for the trade of Arabic and Islamic books—to consolidating the presence of Arabic as a commercial medium, where publishers and distributors from across West and North Africa converge. In the context of Arabic language teaching, the study revealed the development of curricula that focus on communicative skills and economic terminology, in order to qualify learners to work in the fields of education, judiciary, and translation. This trend is reflected in the offerings of the Faculties of Arts at Nigerian universities, such as the Department of Arabic at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University in Katsina State, as well as the Nigerian Institute of Translators and Interpreters (NITI), as fellowship in these places represents an advanced professional step for graduates. The study proposed practical solutions that could contribute to advancing the economic role of Arabic in Nigerian society.