HISTORICAL STAGES OF ARABIC LOANWORDS IN ENGLISH: A HISTORICAL-LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

This article examines Arabic loanwords in the English language from a historical-linguistic perspective. The study focuses on the chronological distribution of Arabic borrowings and the socio historical conditions that facilitated their integration into English. Using a diachronic and descriptive approach, the paper classifies Arabic loanwords into major historical periods: early borrowings, medieval borrowings, Renaissance borrowings, borrowings of the early modern and colonial period, and contemporary borrowings. The findings show that the entry of Arabic lexical items into English was not accidental but was closely connected with trade, scientific transmission, religious contact, colonial expansion, and globalization. The study also demonstrates that Arabic loanwords entered English both directly and through intermediary languages such as Latin, French, and Spanish. In addition, the semantic fields of these borrowings changed over time: while medieval Arabic loanwords were mainly associated with science and astronomy, modern borrowings are more frequently linked to religion, politics, migration, and gastronomy. The article argues that the historical-linguistic approach provides an effective framework for understanding the evolution, adaptation, and cultural significance of Arabic-derived vocabulary in English.