Which statement best explains the importance of Arabic in Songhai?
A. It was more advanced than West African languages.
B. It became the language of Songhai law and learning
C. It was the traditional language of West Africa
D. It made it easier to conduct the gold-salt trade.
B. It became the language of Songhai law and learning is the best explanation for the importance of Arabic in Songhai.
To determine the best answer, let's analyze each option and find the one that accurately explains the importance of Arabic in Songhai.
Option A claims that Arabic was more advanced than West African languages. However, this statement does not accurately explain the importance of Arabic in Songhai.
Option C states that Arabic was the traditional language of West Africa. This is not accurate, as Arabic was not the traditional language of the entire West African region.
Option D suggests that Arabic made it easier to conduct the gold-salt trade. While trade did occur between West Africa and the Arab world, this option does not pertain specifically to the importance of Arabic in Songhai.
Option B states that Arabic became the language of Songhai law and learning. This statement is the most accurate and best explains the importance of Arabic in Songhai. The adoption of Arabic as the language of law and learning allowed the Songhai Empire to engage with a wider Islamic world and facilitated their participation in Islamic scholarship, administration, and trade networks.
Therefore, the correct answer is B. It became the language of Songhai law and learning.