Re: learning Arabic in the 17th century

In sci.lang Yusuf B Gursey <ybg@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in
<cc2ict$gcb$1@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>:

: trade contacts between muslim lands (Morocco, Ottoman Empire) were
plenty 
: and europeans not infrequently took up residence in these lands. 
: classical arabic could be learned through the intermediary of
vernaculars 
: (colloq. arabic, turkish; but also probably through greek
intermediaries) 
: and above all dragomans. there was also travel from east to west.


: basically: find any educated muslim (capture one, meet one, go to muslim
 

who may be originally a christian captive that speaks one or more 
european language

: lands etc.) or an educated christian involved with the State in a muslim

: land. they would know classical arabic. people find ways to communicate.

: teh rrest involves learning classical arabic.