Arabic–Bengali Linguistic Relations in Post-1947 India: A Historical and Sociolinguistic Study

Abstract

The relationship between Arabic and Bengali is rooted in centuries of cultural, religious, and intellectual interaction. Although Arabic has never functioned as a native spoken language in Bengal, it has significantly enriched Bengali through the introduction of loanwords, religious terminology, literary expressions, and educational traditions. Following the independence of India in 1947, Arabic continued to influence Bengali, particularly through Islamic educational institutions, universities, translation activities, religious organizations, and increasing global connections with the Arab world. The migration of Indian workers to Gulf countries, the expansion of Arabic language education in higher educational institutions, and the growing availability of Arabic religious and literary texts in Bengali translation have further strengthened this linguistic relationship.