What is sicilian arabic?

Sicilian Arabic, also known as Siculo-Arabic, was a variety of the Arabic language spoken in Sicily between the 9th and 14th centuries. It was brought to Sicily by Arab conquerors and settlers, who ruled the island for over two centuries. Sicilian Arabic was heavily influenced by the native Sicilian language, as well as the languages of other Mediterranean cultures with which it came into contact.

Sicilian Arabic was mainly used in the southern and eastern coasts of Sicily, where the Arab influence was strongest. It was the spoken language of the Islamic rulers and elites, as well as the Sicilian Muslim community. After the fall of the Arab dynasty in the 11th century, Sicilian Arabic continued to be spoken by the Muslim minority, who were allowed to retain their language and customs.

Sicilian Arabic left a significant impact on the Sicilian language, especially in terms of vocabulary. Many Sicilian words have Arabic roots, such as "qasbah" (castle), "azzittu" (lazy), and "malocchio" (evil eye). The influence of Sicilian Arabic can also be seen in Sicilian cuisine, music, and architecture.

Today, Sicilian Arabic is no longer spoken in Sicily as a living language. However, it has been preserved in literary works, such as poetry and prose, which were written in Sicilian Arabic by Muslim scholars and poets during the medieval period. Many of these works have been translated and studied by scholars interested in the history and culture of medieval Sicily.