Tracing the Echoes: Connections Between Arabic and Italian

The relationship between Arabic and Italian is a fascinating journey through history, culture, and language. These two languages, while distinct in their origins, have significantly influenced each other over centuries. This article explores the common origins, similarities, and differences between Arabic and Italian, focusing on the historical connection between Arabic and Italian and the linguistic exchanges that have shaped both languages.

Common origins and linguistic similarities

While Arabic and Italian come from different language families—Arabic being a Semitic language and Italian a Romance language—they share common Indo-European influences due to historical interactions. Some phonetic and grammatical similarities can be observed, although these are often due to shared roots or loanwords rather than inherent linguistic kinship.

For example, both languages use a form of definite article (e.g., al- in Arabic and il /la in Italian). Additionally, both languages have been influenced by Latin, particularly in vocabulary related to science and literature. This shared vocabulary can be seen in words like philosophia (philosophy) فلسفة , which has roots in Latin but have counterparts in both languages.

Arabic influence on Italian

The interaction between the Arabic and Italian worlds began as early as the Middle Ages, particularly during the Arab rule in Sicily (827-1091 AD) and the subsequent interactions with Italian maritime republics like Venice and Genoa. This period was marked by cultural and intellectual exchanges that left a lasting imprint on the Italian language. Arabic, as a language of science, trade, and culture, introduced numerous words into Italian, especially in fields such as mathematics, navigation, and agriculture.

Moreover, the Norman conquest of Sicily in the 11th century, where Norman rulers preserved many elements of Arab administration, art, and science, further facilitated the transfer of Arabic knowledge into Italy. This era contributed significantly to the Italian Renaissance, with translations of Arabic works into Latin and Italian becoming widespread.

Here’s a list of Arabic words that entered Italian during the Middle Ages through trade and scholarly exchange.

Standard Arabic	Italian	English
سكر	Zucchero	Sugar
قطن	Cotone	Cotton
شراب	Sciroppo	Syrup
زهرة	Zagara	Orange Blossom
القنطرة	Alcantara	A river in Sicily (literally: the bridge)
أزرق	Azzurro	Azure
قيثارة	Chitarra	Guitar
قرمزي	Cremisi	Crimson red
دَرَبُكّة	Darabukka	A type of drums
فلاح	Fellah	Peasant
غارة	Gara	Competition (Literally: raid)
قِربة	Ghirba	Water bag
المخا	Moca	Mocha coffee
قبة	Qubba	Dome
زريبة	Zeriba	Animal fence
زير	Ziro	Big water jar

Italian influence on Arabic

But ultimately, the exchange wasn’t one-way. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Italian got its revenge with myriad loanwords, particularly in areas such as technology, fashion, and food. Here’s a table of common Arabic words across diverse dialects that have Italian origins:

During this period, many Arab countries saw the arrival of Italian immigrants, traders, and professionals. Italians played active roles in sectors like construction, education, trade, and the arts, contributing to the modernization of cities across the Arab world. Italian architects, in particular, were influential in designing neoclassical and Art Deco buildings, which still adorn the streets of many Arab cities today.

However, the presence of Italians in the Arab world began to dwindle by the mid-20th century due to major political and social changes. In Egypt, the 1952 revolution and the rise of Gamal Abdel Nasser led to sweeping nationalization policies, which targeted foreign-owned businesses and assets. This forced many expatriates, including large numbers of Italians, to leave the country as Egypt shifted toward economic self-sufficiency. In Libya, Italian colonization of that country came to an end after World War II, and most Italians left the country following its independence in 1951 and later nationalization efforts by Muammar Gaddafi in the 1970s. Tunisia also saw the departure of many Italians after gaining independence from French colonial rule in 1956.

Despite their departure, the Italians left an indelible mark on the culture and language of these countries. In addition to their architectural contributions, many Italian loanwords became part of the spoken Arabic dialects, particularly in areas related to trade, food, fashion, and everyday life, reflecting the deep-rooted interactions between Italians and Arabs. Even though many Italians left the Arab world due to political changes, their linguistic influence endures, as Italian-origin words remain embedded not only in Standard Arabic, but also in diverse dialects, including Levantine, Egyptian, Gulf, and Darija, marking a lasting legacy of Italy’s historical presence.

Here’s a list of Italian loanwords into Arabic:

English	Italian	Egyptian	Levantine	Gulf	Darija
We have a deal, agreed	Sta bene	استبينا	استبينا	X	X
It’s all good	Alla lista	ألسطا	X	X	X
Noise (literally: party)	Ballo	باللو	X	X	X
Junk items (literally: old stuff)	Roba vecchia	روبابيكيا	X	X	X
Gloves	Guanto	جوانتي	X	جوانتي	X
Wig	Parrucca	باروكة	باروكة	باروكة	X
Fake	Falso	فالصو	فالصو	X
Antique	Antica	أنتيكا	أنتيكا	X	X
Overhead curtain	Tenda	تندة	تندة	X	X
Clown	Pagliacco	بلياتشو	X	X	X
Theatre	Teatro	تياترو	X	X	X
Fitting room, rehearsal	Prova	بروفة	بروفة	X	X
Furniture	Mobilia	موبيليا	موبيليا	X	X
Bathtub	Bagno	بانيو	بانيو	بانيو	بانيو
Hall	Sala	صالة	صالة	صالة	صالة
Balcony	Veranda	فرندة	برندة	X	X
Invoice	Fattura	فاتورة	فاتورة	فاتورة	X
Medical examination	Visita	فيزيتا	X	X	فيزيتا
Prescription	Ricetta	روشتة	روشتة	X	X
Pliers	Pinza	بنسة	بانسة	X	X
Glue	Colla	كولة	X	X	X
Mechanic	Meccanico	ميكانيكي	ميكانيكي	ميكانيكي	X
Lawyer	Avvocato	أفوكاتو	X	X	X
Birthday cake	Torta	تورتة	X	X	X
Trousers	Pantalone	بنطلون	بنطلون	بنطلون	X
Tomato	Pomodoro	X	بندورة	X	X
Fashion	Moda	موضة	موضة	موضة	موضة
Brand	Marca	ماركة	ماركة	ماركة	ماركة
Shop window	Vetrina	فاترينة	X	X	فاترينة
Tomato sauce	Salsa	صلصة	صلصة	صلصة	صلصة
Shrimp	Gambero	جمبري	جمبري	X	X
Ice cream	Gelato	جيلاتي	X	X	X
Salad	Insalata	سلطة	سلطة	سلطة	X
Pizza	Pizza	بيتزا	بيتزا	بيتزا	بيتزا
Spaghetti	Spaghetti	سباجيتي	سباجيتي	سباجيتي	سباجيتي
Tiramisu	Tiramisù	تيراميسو	تيراميسو	X	تيراميسو

By tracing the echoes of these linguistic exchanges, we gain a deeper appreciation for the shared history that continues to shape our present and future. Curious about the connections between Arabic and other languages? Then dive into our articles exploring the fascinating links between Arabic and French, Hebrew, English, Spanish, and Persian!

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