Although the relationship between Yoruba and Arabic language remains a subject of debate among scholars of linguistics and history, it will not be exaggeration to agree that the Arabic and Islamic culture has directly or indirectly, influenced the Yoruba language. In the case of Turkish, there is no doubt about the influence of Arabic language, as a whopping number of over 6000 words were loaned to Turkish-(let’s pretend it is an overdraft)…smirks. Well, no qualms as a language dies when it fails to loan words.

I will be sharing with you 10 out of many similar words in Turkish and Yoruba that have their roots in Arabic language. Enjoy your reading!

1. Vakit(TR) vs Wakati (YR)

This dual originates from Arabic “Waqt”, which means condition, span of time or period. The Yoruba people adopted it as “wakati” and use it for “hour” or “a short period of time”. The Turkish on the other hand say “vakit” while maintaining the Arabic meaning.

2. Rızık (TR) vs Arisiki (YR)

Rizk and ariski originated from the Arabic word “rizq” or its definite form “ar-rizq”, meaning sustenance, livelihood or daily bread. The basic meanings are preserved in the two languages except that Yoruba often use it for to mean reputation attained with wealth.

3. Dua (TR) vs Adua (YR)

These words are clear evidences of the influence of Islamic culture on the two languages. In Arabic “dua” means prayer, same goes for the Turkish “dua” and Yoruba “adua” or “adura” as some pronounce it.

4. Ama (TR) vs Amo (YR)

The conjunction “but” is pronounced “amma” in Arabic, “ama” in Turkish and “amo” in Yoruba. In any of the three languages, there is at least a synonym for the word.

5. Fitil (TR) vs Fitila (YR)

These are old words that originated from another old word “fatil” (AR). The Turkish and Arabic versions refer to the candle wick while the Yoruba version refers to the candle itself.

6. Sema (TR) vs Samo (YR)

Sema (TR) otherwise known as “Gök” and Samo (YR) also called “orun” both originated from “saama”’, an arabic word which means heaven or sky. This meaning is retained in the two languages.

7. Halife (TR) vs Alufa (YR)

Another sign of the influence of the Islamic culture on the two languages can also be seen in his instance. Halife (TR) vs Alufa (YR) originated from the Arabic word for successor-Khalifa– which is technically used as a title for the overall ruler (caliph) of the Muslims after the death of Prophet Muhammad. The technical usage is preserved in Turkish language while the Yoruba word “alufa” is wider and slightly different meaning. Apart from being used to refer to both Islam and Christianity religious leader and teachers, some Yoruba Muslim women often use the term “alufa” for their husband.

8. Hilafet (TR) vs Aleefa (YR)

The etymology of the these words is “Khilafa” which has same root as Khalifa (no. 7). The Turkish version just like Arabic refers to the caliphate. On the other hand, the aleefa does not necessarily mean an Islamic government but in a broader sense, it means reign.

9. Bereket (TR) vs Alubarika (YR)

Coincidentally, these two words are often used among trading and religious class. The etymology “baraka” (AR) basically means “blessing”. While the usage “bereket” in Turkish is mostly used for financial or agricultural bountifulness and abundance, the Yoruba people use “alubarika” for all manners of divine blessing.

10. Melek (TR) vs Maleika (YR)

I found this quite funny because one is the singular and the other the plural of the original word- “malak” (plural: Malaika) which means angel. The original usage is preserved in both language, except that the Turkish, like the Arabs name their daughters by the name, which may idiomatically mean beautiful.

There are several amazing words in this category. An example “siir” and “asiri” mean secret. Also some Yoruba words with uncertain Arabic etymology have their twin in Turkish language.

Thank you for reading, I hope you will be back to read the next episode!

Görüşürüz!

O daa bo!!