What languages were spoken by the Moors?

The term "Moor" is a complex and often misleading term, as it has been used to describe various groups of people across history. Therefore, it's impossible to give a single definitive answer about the languages spoken by "the Moors." Here's a more nuanced breakdown:

1. The Original Moors:

* Berber languages: The original Moors were Berber people who lived in North Africa. They spoke various Berber languages, such as Tamazight, Tarifit, and Tashelhit. These languages are still spoken today in North Africa.

2. The Moors of Al-Andalus (Islamic Spain):

* Arabic: The Islamic conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century brought Arabic as the language of administration, religion, and high culture. Arabic became a dominant language in Al-Andalus, influencing Spanish and Portuguese vocabulary and grammar.

* Mozarabic: A Romance language spoken by the Christian population of Al-Andalus, which was heavily influenced by Arabic. Mozarabic eventually died out, but its influence can be seen in Spanish and Portuguese.

* Hebrew: A significant Jewish community lived in Al-Andalus, speaking Hebrew.

* Berber languages: While less dominant than Arabic, some Berber languages may have continued to be spoken by Berber communities in Al-Andalus.

3. The Moors of Modern Usage:

* The term "Moor" is often used in a more general sense to refer to Muslims of North African descent. This can include people from countries like Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, who speak a wide variety of languages, including Arabic, Berber, French, and others.

In Conclusion:

It's important to avoid generalizations about "Moors" and their languages. Instead, it's crucial to consider the specific historical context and the diverse groups of people who have been referred to as "Moors" throughout history.