The Influence of European Punctuation on Modern Standard Arabic

In this article, after briefly reviewing the development of Arabic punctuation since antiquity, we add some remarks about later Arabic punctuation in printed texts in Italy and France. Finally, we sum up the main contributions of the Arabic intellectuals of the nahḍa to the introduction of modern French punctuation in the Arabic language. The integration of a marking system into Arabic was emblematic of this deliberate modernization effort. Drawing inspiration from European languages, especially from French, Arab scholars and linguists (Al-Ṭuwayrānī, 1893; Fawwāz, 2014; Zakī, 2013b) carefully examined and adapted this feature to suit the unique characteristics of Arabic language. The borrowing of elements from other languages reflected a willingness to adapt and evolve, thereby ensuring the language continuing relevance in a changing world.