Which statement best explains the importance of Arabic in Songhai
A. It was the traditional language of west Africa
B. It became the language of Songhai law and learning
C: it made it easier to conduct the gold-salt trade
D. It was more advanced than west Africa languages
B. It became the language of Songhai law and learning
The statement that best explains the importance of Arabic in Songhai is B. It became the language of Songhai law and learning.
To determine which statement best explains the importance of Arabic in Songhai, let's examine each option:
A. It was the traditional language of West Africa: This statement highlights the historical importance of Arabic in the region. However, it does not specifically address its importance in Songhai.
B. It became the language of Songhai law and learning: This statement suggests that Arabic took on an important role in the legal and educational systems of Songhai. This indicates that Arabic had a significant influence and importance in the empire.
C. It made it easier to conduct the gold-salt trade: This statement suggests that Arabic played a role in facilitating trade, specifically the gold-salt trade. Arabic's wide use in commercial and trade networks across the Islamic world would have made it an important language for facilitating business transactions.
D. It was more advanced than West African languages: This statement implies that Arabic was considered more advanced than the indigenous languages of West Africa. However, this does not explain its specific importance within Songhai.
Based on the options provided, the statement that best explains the importance of Arabic in Songhai is B. It became the language of Songhai law and learning. This indicates that Arabic was not only widely used in legal matters but also played a crucial role in education and intellectual pursuits within the empire.