মধ্যযুগীয় বাংলা সাহিত্যে আরবি-ফারসি শব্দ ও সাংস্কৃতিক অনুষঙ্গ : একটি ভাষাতাত্ত্বিক পাঠ/ Arabic-Persian Words and Cultural Associations in Medieval Bengali Literature: A Linguistic Reading

Abstract

Medieval Bengali literature, spanning the fourteenth to the eighteenth century, was far more than a mere repository of religious and romantic tales; it served as a dynamic site of linguistic and cultural integration. During this period, the influx of Arabic and Persian vocabulary did more than just expand the lexicon—it reflected the shifting religious, social, and cultural landscapes of Bengali Muslim society. This study investigates the linguistic and cultural significance of these Arabic-Persian elements within selected medieval texts, examining how they were morphologically adapted and utilized to express religious identity and cultural nuance. Using a historical-linguistic approach informed by sociolinguistic perspectives, the research analyzes the works of Shah Muhammad Sagir, Syed Sultan, Daulat Qazi, Alaol, Shah Garibullah, and Bharatchandra. The findings reveal that Arabic and Persian borrowings underwent profound transformations across four levels: phonological, orthographic, morphological, and semantic. These terms can be categorized into five primary domains: religious, socio-cultural, administrative-political, everyday, and literary-aesthetic vocabulary. The religious layer is especially prominent. In Syed Sultan’s ‘Nabivamsha’, the parallel representation of Islamic and Hindu traditions serves as a testament to cultural coexistence. Meanwhile, in Shah Muhammad Sagir’s ‘Yusuf-Zulekha’, Arabic and Persian words transcend simple utility, acting as vital tools for constructing poetic imagery and aesthetic symbolism. Furthermore, Shah Garibullah’s ‘Amir Hamza’—composed in Bengali but utilizing the Persian script—highlights the complex interplay between language and orthography in this era. Ultimately, this study reassesses the linguistic heritage of medieval Bengali literature. Rather than viewing Arabic and Persian elements as isolated foreign imports, this research frames them as organic, integrated components of the language. By doing so, it offers a more nuanced understanding of a medieval literary culture defined by multilingualism, complex adaptation, and a deeply pluralistic character.