multicultural Hot Words

Arabic...

Definition

Both an adjective referring to the culture and people of Arabia, and a noun referring to the language.

The Arabic language is the language of the Qur’an (Koran), the holy book of Islam. It is a common religious language of over a billion people. Arabic script is also used to write other languages - such as Pushtu and Urdu (in Afghanistan and Pakistan).

What makes it hot?

Arabic words such as “jihad” and “fatwa” are words often heard in relation to acts of terrorism. At times these words are used inappropriately to foster tensions between Muslims and non-Muslims.

Date Added:

10 March 2002