Analysis of Phonological Adaptation of Arabic Loanwords in Yoruba Language

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of Arabic loanwords in the Yoruba language, aiming to understand the linguistic adaptations and cultural impacts of this exchange. This type of research uses qualitative descriptive, the research analyzes phonological, morphological, and semantic changes in Arabic loanwords to fit the Yoruba linguistic system, examining substitutions, syllable structures, and affixation patterns. The main findings reveal that Arabic loanwords have significantly enriched the Yoruba language, with specific adaptations to fit the Yoruba phonological and morphological rules. Phonological adaptations include vowel and consonant substitutions to match Yoruba sounds, while morphological adaptations involve the integration of Yoruba affixes and regularization of plural forms. The research also highlights the prominent role of Arabic loanwords in expanding the Yoruba lexicon in areas such as religious practices, trade and commerce, education, and administration. The results of this research demonstrate the dynamic nature of linguistic borrowing and the profound impact of cultural and linguistic exchanges between Arabic-speaking and Yoruba-speaking communities. The study underscores the importance of language contact in the evolution of languages, illustrating how Arabic loanwords have become an integral part of Yoruba vocabulary, reflecting the historical, cultural, and socio-economic interactions between these two linguistic communities.