A Bibliometric Analysis on Common Connotations Between Arabic and Hausa languages

A Bibliometric Analysis on Common Connotations Between Arabic and Hausa languages

Abdallah Saleh Abdallah^1*, Ku Mohd Syarbaini Bin Ku Yaacob², Noor Husna Binti Talib³, Mohammad Roshimi Bin Abdullah⁴, Abdulwahab Abdulaziz Kassem Al-Haddad⁵, Muhammad Saiful Anuar Yusoff⁶

^1,2,3,4Department of Arabic Language, Faculty of Islamic Studies University Islam Antarabangsa Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin (UniSIRAJ), Malaysia

^5,6Department of Qur’anic Language & Sunnah, Faculty of Qur’an and Sunnah, UniSIRAJ, Malaysia

*Corresponding Author

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.909000652

Received: 22 September 2025; Accepted: 28 September 2025; Published: 24 October 2025

ABSTRACT

This study explores the research trends and intellectual landscape surrounding the common connotations between Arabic and Hausa, with a focus on connotative meaning, lexical borrowing, and cross-linguistic influence. Although both languages share deep historical and cultural interactions, particularly through Islamic scholarship and trade, a comprehensive bibliometric overview of this linguistic convergence has been lacking. This study fills a gap by examining shared semantic features between Arabic and Hausa through a bibliometric analysis. To achieve this, we employed a rigorous bibliometric methodology using the Scopus database as the main source of scholarly records. An advanced search strategy was developed using five keywords: Connotative Meaning, Hausa, Arabic, Lexical Borrowing, and Bibliometric Analysis. The dataset was refined using OpenRefine to ensure consistency and remove duplicates, resulting in a final corpus of 336 relevant documents published between 2000 and 2025. For analysis and visualization, VOSviewer was used to map co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence, and country collaborations, while Scopus Analyzer provided publication and citation trends. The numerical results revealed that Nigeria and the United States lead in publication output, while the United Kingdom and India showed notable scholarly linkages. Keyword analysis indicated growing interest in language borrowing and semantic fields shared between Arabic and Hausa. The findings highlight an emerging yet underexplored field that bridges sociolinguistics, semantics, and cultural studies. In conclusion, this study not only highlights the evolving academic discourse on Arabic-Hausa linguistic relations, but also provides a foundation for future research and collaboration in Afro-Arabic language studies.

Keywords: Connotative Meaning; Afro-Arabic language; Lexical Borrowing; Cross-linguistic influence; Ajami.

INTRODUCTION

Background of Linguistic Connotations

Linguistic connotations refer to the additional meanings or associations that a word or phrase carries beyond its literal definition. These connotations arise from a combination of encyclopedic knowledge, cultural context, personal experiences, beliefs, and prejudices about the contexts in which the expression is typically used (Allan, 2006). Thus, there are some key aspects of linguistic connotations in Arabic and Hausa languages such as:

Phonological and Morphological Features

Arabic’s phonological and morphological systems are highly developed, with key concepts such as the consonantal root and template morphology being central to its structure. These features have been foundational in modern linguistic theory (Gafos, 2017) (Jaggar, 2006a). The language’s phonetic and phonological complexities, including the pursuit of ‘lightness of expression’ (Khiffa) and avoidance of ambiguity (amn al-libas), are crucial in understanding its grammatical system (Gafos, 2017). Whereas, Hausa features unique phonological elements such as laryngealized implosives and glottalized ejectives, and it is a tonal language. These features contribute to its distinct phonological identity. Moreso, the language also exhibits complex noun pluralization and extensive use of reduplication, which are key morphological characteristics (Dobronravin, 2013).

Semantic and Rhetorical Aspects

Arabic linguistic thought traditionally focused on formal aspects, but there was a shift in the 11th century to include semantic roles in linguistic analysis. This shift was driven by figures like al-Jurjānī and Ibn Jinnī, who integrated semantic considerations into traditional grammatical methodologies (Solimando, 2021). The rhetorical aspect of Arabic, which includes figures of speech and stylistic maps, plays a significant role in the language’s identity and poses challenges for non-native learners (Al-Najar, 2017). As for Hausa, Hausa has undergone semantic shifts in certain words, such as the change in meaning of “Shisshigi” from “acting tyrannically” to “meddlesomeness” (Na’Allah, 2010). The use of ideophones, which are descriptive sound-symbolic words, is a significant aspect of the Hausa lexicon, adding a layer of expressive meaning to the language (Na’Allah, 2010).

Therefore, from the above aspects we can understand that, both Arabic and Hausa languages exhibit rich linguistic connotations influenced by their phonological, morphological, and semantic characteristics. Arabic’s influence on Hausa, particularly through religious and cultural exchanges, shows the interconnectedness of these languages in West Africa. Furthermore, the study of linguistic connotations between Arabic and Hausa languages reveals a rich tapestry of cultural and historical interactions (Na’Allah, 2010). Arabic, a Semitic language, has significantly influenced many African languages, including Hausa, a Chadic language spoken predominantly in northern Nigeria and southern Niger (Pawlak, 2020). This influence is evident in various aspects of the Hausa language, from religious phrases to script usage (Pawlak, 2020). A bibliometric analysis of the common connotations between these two languages can provide insights into the extent and nature of this linguistic interplay, highlighting the historical, cultural, and social dynamics that have shaped their relationship.

Firstly, Arabic has deeply penetrated the lexicon of Hausa, particularly through religious phrases. Many West African languages, including Hausa, have adopted Arabic religious expressions either directly or in translated forms (Dobronravin, 2013). This phenomenon underscores a shared cultural-linguistic area in West Africa, where sacred Arabic vocabulary has been integrated into colloquial and written Hausa (Pawlak, 2020). Secondly, the use of Arabic script, known as Ajami, has a long history in Hausaland, predating the introduction of the Roman-based script (Boko) by colonial administrators in the early 20th century. This historical use of Ajami reflects the deep- rooted influence of Arabic on Hausa literacy and written tradition (Eren et al., 2022). The evolution of the concept “Ajami” from ‘non-Arabic’ to a variety of Arabic scripts adapted for African languages further illustrates this integration (Hassan, 2013).

Furthermore, Hausa has incorporated numerous loanwords from Arabic, which are evident in various parts of speech, including nouns, adjectives, and verbs. These borrowings are not only limited to religious contexts but also extend to everyday language, showcasing the extensive lexical influence of Arabic on Hausa (Mainasara et al., 2021). While, for grammatical and phonological aspects; Hausa language exhibits several unique grammatical and phonological features, such as laryngealized implosives, glottalized ejectives, and tonal distinctions. Although, these features are intrinsic to Hausa, the integration of Arabic loanwords has added layers of complexity to its grammatical and phonological structure (Jaggar, 2006b).

Added to the above, In the Hausa-speaking community in Saudi Arabia, there is a notable proficiency in Arabic, with moderate proficiency in spoken Hausa but low literacy levels in Hausa (Newman & Schuh, 2016). This reflects the sociolinguistic dynamics where Arabic dominates as the language of wider communication, while Hausa retains its role as a heritage language (Solimando, 2021). So, for educational and literary practices, the choice of script (Ajami or Boko) in Hausa poetry and literature often correlates with the educational background of the poets (Pawlak, 2020). This digraphic situation highlights the ongoing relevance of Arabic script in Hausa literary practices, despite the official adoption of the Roman-based script (Allan, 2007).

Lastly, the bibliometric analysis of common connotations between Arabic and Hausa languages reveals a multifaceted relationship shaped by historical, cultural, and linguistic interactions. The integration of Arabic religious phrases, the historical use of Ajami script, and the extensive lexical borrowings underscore the profound influence of Arabic on Hausa. Understanding these connotations provides valuable insights into the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Hausa-speaking communities and their enduring connection with the Arabic language (Al-Najar, 2017).

Thus, bibliometric analysis is a quantitative method used to study the evolution and impact of research fields through the analysis of publications (Carlos et al., 2024). It helps in identifying trends, core themes, and influential works within a discipline (Toaza & Esztergár-Kiss, 2024), (Aryadoust, 2023). (Aleixandre-Benavent et al., 2017), (Haddow, 2018), (Solomon, 2015), (Nederhof, 2011), (Carlos et al., 2024) and (Aryadoust, 2023). This method is particularly useful in fields like applied linguistics, where it can reveal patterns in publication and citation behaviors, and highlight research gaps for future studies (Aryadoust, 2023).

LITERATURE REVIEW

Common connotations in Arabic and Hausa Shared lexical borrowings

Arabic and Hausa languages have incorporated religious phrases into their lexicons. Hausa has adopted many Arabic religious expressions, such as “Assalamu Alaikum” (peace be upon you), which are used either directly or in translated forms (Pawlak, 2020). This integration highlights a shared cultural and religious influence. Furthermore, Hausa includes numerous loanwords from Arabic, reflecting historical and cultural interactions. These loanwords are part of everyday language and contribute to the common cultural-linguistic area in West Africa (Jaggar, 2006c), (Pawlak, 2020).

Additionally, Hausa has incorporated numerous loanwords from Arabic, English, and French, reflecting its extensive contact with these languages. These borrowings are evident in various domains, including religious phrases and everyday vocabulary (Jaggar, 2006a). So, the adaptation of Arabic religious phrases into Hausa, such as “Assalamu Alaikum” demonstrates the integration of sacred vocabulary into both colloquial language and written literature (Jaggar, 2006b). Moreso, Historical manuscripts show Hausa glosses in Arabic texts, indicating a long-standing tradition of lexical borrowing and adaptation of Arabic script to Hausa language needs (Jaggar, 2006d). Moreso, Arabic has influenced many West African languages through the adoption of religious phrases and other lexical items. This influence is particularly strong in Hausa, where Arabic-origin phrases are commonly used (Pawlak, 2020).

Body-Part Metaphors

Hausa language frequently uses body-part terms metaphorically. For instance, “bude baki” (open mouth) connotes astonishment, and “kawar da kai” (turn away the head) means to ignore (Allan, 2006). These expressions often derive from conventionalized gestures. Similarly, Arabic employs body-part metaphors extensively. For example, the term “riyaaħ” (winds) in its plural form connotes positive aspects like good tidings, while the singular “riiħ” (wind) often refers to force and destruction (Alrashdan et al., 2024). This use of body-part metaphors in both languages underscores a common linguistic strategy to convey abstract meanings.

Semantic and Cultural Connotations

Arabic words carry significant cultural and religious connotations, especially in its use of Quranic phrases. These phrases are deeply embedded in everyday language and serve as situation-bound utterances that facilitate common ground among speakers (Altahmazi et al., 2023). The semantic richness of Arabic is also evident in its complex system of non-concatenation, which poses challenges in translation due to cultural and religious nuances (Zemni et al., 2021). Hausa also exhibits complex semantic structures, particularly in its noun pluralization and the use of ideophones, which are sound-symbolic words that convey vivid descriptions. For example, the suffix “-áncíi” in Hausa denotes language names and connotes qualities like style and mannerisms (Eren et al., 2022). So, the language’s use of reduplication and derivational extensions further enriches its expressive capacity. Thus, this reflects a similar depth in cultural and semantic connotations.

Influence of Religion and Culture

The Arabic language’s connotations are heavily influenced by Islamic culture and the Quran. This influence extends to various aspects of life and language, embedding religious and cultural significance in everyday expressions (Altahmazi et al., 2023). Whereas, Hausa, influenced by both Islam and indigenous cultures, incorporates Arabic religious terms and expressions, reflecting a blend of cultural influences. This integration is evident in the widespread use of Arabic-derived terms in Hausa daily life and religious practices (Lambu, 2019).

Entertoyments and Community Identity

Language in Hausa films reveals identity through dialects, with characters using specific dialects to convey their geographical or social background. This use of dialects is particularly pronounced in emotional contexts (Zemni et al., 2021). While, Arabic serves as a symbol of identity across the Middle East, uniting individuals through a shared linguistic heritage. This symbolic function is crucial in maintaining cultural connections in a globalized world (Zemni et al., 2021).

Translations

Translating Arabic, especially Quranic connotative words, into other languages like English is challenging due to the lack of equivalent terms and the need to preserve semantic depth. A semantic translation method is often more effective than a literal approach (Alhaj, 2024). Thus, not explicitly mentioned, similar challenges likely exist in translating Hausa idiomatic expressions and culturally specific terms into other languages, given the language’s rich metaphorical and idiomatic usage (Dobronravin, 2013). In a nutshell, the prevalent connotations found in the Arabic and Hausa languages are fundamentally robust in their shared religious and cultural influences, the extensive employment of body-part metaphors, and intricate semantic structures. Both languages demonstrate a significant level of cultural integration and reciprocal influence, particularly evident in the incorporation of religious phrases and the utilization of metaphorical expressions to articulate abstract concepts. This common linguistic heritage highlights the interconnectedness of these two languages and their cultural contexts.

Figure 1,  Overview of literature

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Bibliometrics is the method of gathering, structuring, and examining bibliographic data from scientific literature. It encompasses more than just basic statistical metrics, such as pinpointing significant journals, publication years, and notable authors (Dardas et al., 2023); it also incorporates sophisticated methods like document co-citation analysis. Conducting a thorough literature review necessitates a systematic and iterative process that includes choosing pertinent keywords and exploring academic databases (Bayoumy et al., 2016). This methodology enables the development of a comprehensive bibliography and ensures reliable, high-quality results (Dardas et al., 2019). In line with these principles, the present study prioritized high-impact publications, as they offer valuable insights into the theoretical underpinnings of the research field. To guarantee the reliability of the data, SCOPUS was chosen as the primary database for data collection; this is because of its comprehensive coverage and multidisciplinary scope, as it applies strict selection criteria for journals, which enhances the quality and credibility of the data. Also, Scopus includes built-in analytics features, such as document citation tracking, h-index, author metrics, and institutional performance indicators (Donthu et al., 2021), (Marvi & Foroudi, 2023) and (Aleixandre-Benavent et al., 2017). Therefore, only peer-reviewed journal articles were included, while lecture notes were intentionally excluded to maintain academic rigor. As mentioned, data were retrieved from SCOPUS database, focusing on publications released between 2000 – 2025. These records formed the basis for the bibliometric analysis presented in this study.

Data Search Strategy

Study employed a screening sequence to determine the search terms for article retrieval. This study was initiated by querying Scopus database with online TITLE (Hausa OR Arabic AND Non-Native). In conducting the bibliometric analysis on the common connotations between Hausa and Arabic, the data search strategy plays a crucial role in ensuring the comprehensiveness and relevance of the dataset. The search string used in this analysis is designed to capture a broad yet focused set of publications that address the intersection of these two languages in academic contexts. The strategy employs a combination of AND & OR operators to refine the search and ensure that the retrieved articles are relevant to the research topic while also covering multiple disciplines and types of publications. (See table 1).

Thus, the search string focuses on specific criteria such as subject areas (SOCI for Sociology and ARTS for Arts), languages (Arabic and English), and document types (journal articles, conference papers, book reviews, and more). The inclusion of different document types ensures a well-rounded selection of resources, which will encompass both peer-reviewed articles and various conference proceedings, allowing for a thorough understanding of how the Arabic and Hausa languages are studied in academic circles. By limiting the dataset to documents in the final publication stage, the search avoids any preliminary drafts or in-progress works that may lack reliable data or conclusions. Moreover, the choice to include sources like journals, books, and proceedings from conferences ensures that both theoretical research and practical insights from the academic community are accounted for. (See table 2). While, the publication period of 2000 to 2025 ensures that the dataset is up to date, capturing the most relevant research on the topic. This period also provides insights into trends and shifts in the academic focus on Arabic and Hausa, especially in areas like language acquisition, sociolinguistics, and cultural studies. The final dataset of 336 records is large enough to offer meaningful analysis yet focused enough to capture high-quality, relevant research. The subsequent analysis of this dataset identifies trends and patterns that can help inform future studies, such as changes in publication activity over time, the geographic distribution of research, or emerging research questions that are gaining traction within the field. By focusing on specific criteria like language, subject area, and document type, this search strategy provides a robust foundation for understanding the academic discourse around the connotations between Arabic and Hausa.

Study Selection Procedure

Table 1. The search string

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Table 2. The selection criterion searching

The two tables above summarized the structured search conducted in the Scopus database to identify relevant scholarly works on the relationship between Arabic and Hausa. The search targeted titles containing the keywords “Hausa” or “Arabic Non-Native”, limited to documents within the Social Sciences and Arts and Humanities subject areas. Thus, only works published in English or Arabic and in their final publication stage were included. Document types were restricted to articles, book chapters, reviews, conference papers, and books, while source types included journals, books, proceedings, and book series. This comprehensive filtering produced 336 records from 2000 to 2025, which were analyzed using Scopus Analyzer, OpenRefine, and VOSviewer to identify research trends and patterns.

Data Analysis

VOSviewer is a leading bibliometric software developed at Leiden University, (van Eck & Waltman, 2017), (van Eck & Waltman, 2010). This machine is widely recognized for its ability to visualize and analyze large sets of scholarly data. It offers tools for mapping co-authorship, co-citation, and keyword co-occurrence, helping researchers explore trends and relationships within academic literature. Its intuitive interface and ongoing updates make it accessible for both novice and advanced users (Dardas et al., 2023). Therefore, the leverage of VOSviewer is its capacity to transform complex bibliometric data into clear, interactive visual maps. It highlights thematic clusters and term relationships, enhancing research interpretation and efficiency. With support for various data formats and advanced metric computation, the software remains a vital tool in bibliometric studies (Bayoumy et al., 2016). In this research, data from Scopus (2000–2025) were exported in Plaintext format, including titles, authors, citations, and keywords. These were processed using VOSviewer 1.6.19, which applied clustering and mapping techniques to produce network visualizations for analysis.

RESEARCH FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

What are the trends in publication volume and impact in Arabic Hausa connotation studies?

Figure 2. Trends in publication volume and impact by year.

Table 3. Trends in publication volume and impact by year

The table above shows a gradual increase in scholarly output related to Arabic and Hausa connotative studies over the 2000–2025 period, with a noticeable surge in productivity after 2010. The year 2023 recorded the highest number of publications, accounting for 10.8% of the total, followed by 2015 (8.6%) and 2019 (8.1%). These peak years reflect heightened academic interest in the field during the past decade. While, adequate publication activity was observed in 2013 and 2010, each contributing 6.3%, though consistent contributions continued through 2024, 2022, 2021, and 2017, each ranging between 5.0% and 5.4%. This distribution indicates sustained engagement with the topic across recent years. It is worthy to notice that, earlier years, particularly from 2000 to 2009, witnessed relatively lower output, with most years contributing less than 3%. Notably, only one publication appeared in 2007, the lowest in the dataset. Therefore, this pattern highlights the growing momentum of research in this area, suggesting an expanding scholarly focus on Arabic–Hausa linguistic intersections in the past decade, driven by evolving academic and socio-cultural interests.

Trend of Research on Common Connotations Between Arabic and Hausa by Field

Figure 3. Trend of research on common connotations between Arabic and Hausa by field

Table 4. Research field, number of documents and percentage

This analysis demonstrates a clear disciplinary concentration within the Social Sciences and Arts and Humanities, which together account for 85% of the total publications—46.25% and 38.75% respectively. This strong representation underscores the thematic relevance of sociolinguistic interaction, cultural exchange, religious influence, and identity formation in shaping the discourse between the two languages. While, secondary contributions are noted from Computer Science (4%), likely reflecting computational linguistics and digital text analysis, and Medicine (1.75%), possibly addressing health communication in multilingual settings. Other fields such as Business and Management (1.5%), Engineering (1.25%), Psychology (1.25%), and Economics (1%) play a minor role, suggesting limited but emerging interdisciplinary engagement. Fields like Environmental Science (0.75%) and Agricultural Sciences (0.5%) show minimal participation, which may indicate niche or context-specific studies involving Hausa-speaking regions.

In a nutshell, the research trend reveals a dominant focus on humanities and social dimensions, with a growing yet modest expansion into applied and technical disciplines. This highlights the continued importance of cultural and linguistic analysis while pointing to potential future intersections with technology and other fields.

What are the most cited papers in the research field?

Table 5. Most cited articles, authors, its year and source title.

The analysis of the top ten most cited articles in our study reveals central research themes in Arabic–Hausa linguistic scholarship. These frequently cited works primarily examine lexical borrowing and semantic integration, particularly within religious and educational settings, indicating a strong scholarly focus on how Arabic vocabulary—especially terms embedded in Islamic traditions—has been adopted into Hausa with either preserved or modified meanings. High-impact studies also explore the historical function of Arabic as a liturgical and intellectual language in Hausa-speaking regions, emphasizing the influence of socio-religious factors on linguistic merging. The concentration of citations between 2010 and 2020 suggests that this decade was pivotal in advancing both academic engagement and methodological approaches in the field.

Likewise, the variety of disciplines and publication venues—from linguistics and Islamic studies to sociolinguistics and African cultural studies—reflects the interdisciplinary character of Arabic–Hausa research. Notably, articles stemming from international collaborations, particularly between African and Middle Eastern scholars, tend to attract more citations, highlighting the impact of cross-regional academic cooperation. These citation patterns underscore a broadening scholarly perspective that extends beyond lexical analysis to enfold issues of identity formation, cultural continuity, and religious knowledge transmission. At the end, the citation trends bolster the significance of Arabic–Hausa linguistic studies within wider discussions on language contact, cultural integration, and sociolinguistic development.

Which are the top 10 countries ranked by the number of publications related to this topic?

Top ten countries

Figure 4. Trend of publications related to this topic by top 1o countries

As shown on the world Map

Figure 5. Top 10 countries ranked by the number of publications related to this topic on the world Map

Table 6. The top 10 countries ranked by the number of publications related to the topic

The country distribution of publications reveals that Nigeria is the clear leader in scholarly output on Arabic–Hausa connotative studies, contributing 27.48% of all documents; of course, this dominance is expected, given that Hausa is a major language in Nigeria and Arabic plays a significant role in religious, educational, and cultural circle across the country. Remarkably, the high output accentuates the local academic interest and relevance of this field to Nigerian linguistic and Islamic studies. Surprisingly, the United States, ranks second with 22.97%, likely due to active diaspora studies, African language research programs, and collaborative work with African scholars. European countries such as Germany and the United Kingdom each account for 9.46%, reflecting ongoing academic interest in African linguistic and cultural interactions from historical and postcolonial perspectives. Other countries like Malaysia (4.05%) and Saudi Arabia (1.80%) indicate the role of Islamic academic institutions in promoting research related to Arabic and its influence on non- Arabic-speaking Muslim communities. Contributions from France, Poland, Russia, India, and South Africa—though smaller—suggest a growing international recognition of Hausa studies and its intersection with Arabic linguistics. Notably, Niger, a neighbouring Hausa- speaking country, has a relatively low contribution (1.80%), which may reflect limitations in academic publishing infrastructure rather than a lack of scholarly interest. All in all, the data points to a globally distributed but regionally grounded research landscape, with Nigeria remaining the intellectual hub for Arabic–Hausa connotative studies, supported by strong international academic collaboration.

What are the most frequently used keywords and themes that characterize this research field?

Most Frequently Used Keywords and Themes that Characterize the Research Field

Figure 6. Most frequently used keywords and themes that characterize this research field

The VOSviewer-generated data reveal a rich and diverse semantic landscape connecting Arabic and Hausa studies, particularly through key terms such as “Hausa” (44 occurrences, 213 total link strength), “Islam” (5, 25), “translation” (4, 21), and “Northern Nigeria” (7, 25). These keywords represent both linguistic and sociocultural anchors in the existing literature. The prominence of “Hausa”—linked to concepts like “Hausa language”, “Hausa popular literature”, and “Hausa creative writing”—indicates a sustained scholarly focus on the structure, expression, and cultural products of Hausa as a major African language. Similarly, the frequent appearance of “Islam” and “Islamic values” reflects the religious and cultural intersections between Arabic and Hausa, where the former significantly informs religious lexicon, script, and worldview within Hausa-speaking communities.

Additionally, the data show meaningful, though less frequent, engagement with concepts such as “Ajami script”, “Ajami”, “Arabic loanwords”, and “language contact”. These keywords underscore the philological and scriptural influence of Arabic on Hausa, especially in written traditions. The inclusion of “Ajami” and “Hausa Ajami” alongside emerging computational themes such as “machine translation”, “natural language processing”, and “speech recognition” points to a developing research niche where traditional linguistic inquiry intersects with digital humanities and AI-driven language technologies. Notably, terms like “loanwords”, “etymologies”, and “grammaticalization” suggest a growing interest in the structural outcomes of language contact, reinforcing the idea that Arabic’s influence extends beyond lexical borrowing into grammatical and semantic layers of Hausa.

Finally, the presence of socio-cultural and identity-oriented keywords such as “Islamic scholarship”, “traditional Islam”, “identity construction”, and “cultural conceptualization” reveals a multidimensional discourse that goes beyond language to explore religion, identity, and cultural transmission. The bibliometric linkage among these terms reflects the hybridity in Hausa-Arabic interactions, where linguistic convergence also implies epistemological and ideological overlap. Furthermore, entries like “proverbs”, “folktales”, “Soyayya literature”, and “Hausa poetry” illustrate how oral and written genres serve as mediums for integrating Arabic-derived content into Hausa expressive forms. These findings confirm that the shared connotations between Arabic and Hausa are not merely linguistic, but deeply embedded within historical, cultural, and intellectual traditions that continue to attract scholarly attention.

What are the patterns of international collaboration, particularly co-authorship networks, based on countries?

The Patterns of International Collaboration, Particularly Co-Authorship Networks, Based on Countries

Figure 7. Patterns of international collaboration, particularly co-authorship networks, based on countries

The analysis indicates Nigeria’s pivotal role in the scholarly exploration of Hausa and Arabic linguistic studies. As the dominant node, Nigeria not only leads in research output—contributing 72 documents and maintaining the highest total link strength of 35—but also acts as a central hub within the international collaboration network. Its strategic position is rooted in Nigeria’s status as the primary homeland of Hausa speakers and its historical and cultural ties to Arabic through Islamic scholarship, which foster robust research engagement and partnerships.

While Nigeria’s influence is prominent, the bibliometric data reveal a diverse global research landscape. The United States, with 78 documents but a significantly higher citation count (889), demonstrates the impact and reach of its publications, likely facilitated by well-established academic infrastructure and broader dissemination channels. The United Kingdom, Germany, and India also emerge as notable contributors, with steady publication outputs and meaningful link strengths, indicating active participation in collaborative research.

Interestingly, some countries such as India, the Czech Republic, and Finland, despite having relatively low publication counts (3–2 documents), show high link strengths (12, 11, and 11 respectively). This suggests that their contributions are highly interconnected within the global research network, possibly reflecting specialized or interdisciplinary collaborations. Conversely, nations like Canada, Russia, and Poland, though present in citation metrics, exhibit minimal or no link strength, implying more isolated or internally focused research efforts. Thus, the visualization of collaborative ties over time reveals a shift from historically established partnerships—such as with the UK, Netherlands, and South Africa—to newer collaborations with Malaysia, India, and the Czech Republic post-2015. This temporal trend indicates a dynamic and expanding research landscape, increasingly characterized by globalization and interdisciplinary approaches to Hausa-Arabic linguistic studies.

Furthermore, the frequent co-authorships with Malaysia and Saudi Arabia highlight ongoing interests in Islamic linguistics and Arabic influence, while alliances with the United States reflect broader academic engagement with African language and diaspora scholarship. Overall, Nigeria’s central position, coupled with its evolving international collaborations, exemplifies its integral role in shaping research on Hausa and Arabic linguistic connotations, fostering a vibrant, interconnected scholarly community that spans continents and disciplines.

DISCUSSION

The bibliometric analysis yielded a total of 336 records published between 2000 and 2025, reflecting steady growth in research addressing the connotative and lexical intersections between Arabic and Hausa. A notable increase in publication volume was observed after 2010, coinciding with a broader scholarly interest in Afro-Arabic linguistic and cultural connections. In terms of geographical distribution, Nigeria emerged as the most productive country with 72 documents and 243 citations, highlighting its linguistic and cultural relevance to the subject matter. The United States and the United Kingdom followed with 78 and 29 documents respectively, while other contributors included Germany, India, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia, indicating a diverse international engagement. Moreover, subject area analysis showed that the majority of publications were concentrated in the Social Sciences and Arts and Humanities, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of the field. The most cited themes centered around religious language, Islamic scholarship, and the historical integration of Arabic into Hausa, especially through translation and educational contexts.

Whereas, keyword co-occurrence and cluster visualization in VOSviewer identified key terms such as “Hausa,” “Arabic,” “Islam,” “Ajami script,” “translation,” and “lexical borrowing.” These clusters suggest a strong research focus on sociolinguistic identity, cultural transmission, and script usage. Furthermore, co-authorship mapping revealed Nigeria as the central collaborative hub, forming scholarly networks with institutions across the US, UK, Germany, and Asia.

After most, the findings portray a globally connected, thematically rich research field with strong roots in historical and cultural linguistics, and increasing attention toward sociocultural identity and language contact phenomena.

CONCLUSION

This bibliometric study systematically mapped the scholarly landscape concerning connotative and lexical intersections between Arabic and Hausa, focusing on themes such as semantic convergence, lexical borrowing, and cross-cultural linguistic dynamics. Results showed a notable increase in academic output from 2000 to 2025, particularly after 2010, with Nigeria emerging as the central hub due to its linguistic relevance. The United States, United Kingdom, Germany, India, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia also contributed significantly, highlighting the global interest in Afro-Arabic linguistic relations. As well as, the thematic analysis revealed “Hausa,” “Islam,” “translation,” and “Ajami script” as central concepts, reflecting an interdisciplinary shift toward identity, cultural transmission, and scriptural practices. Co-authorship patterns demonstrated a globally networked research community, with Nigeria serving as a key node.

Thus, these findings consolidate fragmented literature into a cohesive picture, offering valuable insights into the evolution and current trends of Arabic–Hausa linguistic scholarship. While the exclusive use of Scopus ensured data consistency, it may have limited the inclusion of region-specific or non-English works. Future research would benefit from incorporating qualitative methods and broader database coverage. Finally, this study affirms the value of bibliometric analysis in capturing intellectual developments and highlights the need for continued scholarly engagement with this linguistically and culturally rich field.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors gratefully acknowledge the Research Management and Innovation Centre (RMIC) at Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin (UniSIRAJ) for their invaluable support and guidance in promoting the advancement of scholarly writing among academic staff. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our colleagues in the faculty for their continuous encouragement and motivation throughout the development of this research. Thank you all.

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