What languages were spoken in the Songhai Empire?

The Songhai Empire was a large and diverse empire, and as such, various languages were spoken within its borders. However, the dominant language was Songhai, a Niger-Congo language belonging to the Songhai-Zarma group.

Here's a breakdown of the languages spoken in the Songhai Empire:

* Songhai: This was the official language of the empire and the language of administration, commerce, and the royal court. It was widely spoken throughout the empire, particularly in the core areas of Gao and Jenne.

* Arabic: Due to the influence of Islamic scholars and traders, Arabic played a significant role in the Songhai Empire. It was used for religious texts, education, and some government correspondence.

* Other Niger-Congo languages: Various other Niger-Congo languages, such as Hausa, Kanuri, and Dogon, were spoken by different ethnic groups within the empire.

* Berber languages: Some Berber languages may have been spoken in the northern regions of the empire.

* Trade languages: Languages like Mandinka and Fulfulde were used for trade and communication with neighboring regions.

It is important to note that the specific linguistic landscape of the Songhai Empire was likely quite complex, with variations in language use and prestige across different regions and social groups.