1. Administration and Government:
* Official Language: Arabic was the official language of the Songhai government. It was used in official documents, court proceedings, and communication between high-ranking officials.
* Record Keeping: The Songhai employed Arabic script to keep official records, including financial accounts, tax collection, and military affairs.
2. Education and Scholarship:
* Religious Instruction: Arabic was essential for the study of Islam, the dominant religion of the Songhai. Islamic scholars and teachers used Arabic to teach religious texts, jurisprudence, and theology.
* Literary and Scientific Knowledge: The Arabic language served as a medium for accessing and disseminating knowledge from the wider Islamic world. Scholars and intellectuals in Songhai studied Arabic literature, philosophy, mathematics, and astronomy.
3. Trade and Commerce:
* Trans-Saharan Trade: Arabic was a lingua franca for long-distance trade across the Sahara Desert. It facilitated communication and negotiations between Songhai traders and merchants from North Africa and the Middle East.
* Currency: The Songhai used a currency system based on Arabic numerals, indicating its influence on trade and finance.
4. Culture and Society:
* Islamic Law: The application of Islamic law (Sharia) in Songhai society relied heavily on Arabic, as legal texts and interpretations were written and taught in this language.
* Literature and Poetry: Arabic was used to compose poetry, which became an important part of Songhai cultural expression.
5. Architecture and Art:
* Mosques: The architecture of mosques in Songhai incorporated Arabic calligraphy, inscriptions, and geometric patterns, reflecting the influence of Islamic art.
* Decorative Arts: Arabic script and motifs were also found in other decorative arts, such as pottery, textiles, and metalwork.
However, it's important to note that Arabic was not the only language spoken in the Songhai Empire. The majority of the population spoke various indigenous languages, such as Songhai, Tamasheq, and Hausa. Arabic primarily served as a language of elite, education, and high-level administration, not the everyday language of the common people.