Linguistic borrowing is a natural process that has occurred for millennia across all languages. The word "sirāt" (straight path) exemplifies one such journey that a word can take.
The paths of our language:
Linguistic borrowing is a natural process that has occurred for millennia across all languages. Often mischaracterized as a threat, it can also represent the power of language to bridge cultures. The word "sirāt" (straight path) exemplifies one such journey that a word can take. From a common Latin origin, it reached a crossroads when borrowed by English and Arabic. The contrasting images evoked by this word in each language, from the mundane to the holy, illustrates the enriching nature of linguistic borrowing.
Commissioned by Media Majlis Museum in collaboration with Northwestern Qatar students and Fikra Design Studio
