Ahmad al-Jallad

Ahmad Al-Jallad, a Professor of historical linguistics and epigraphy at Ohio State University, delves into pre-Islamic Arabia's inscriptions and languages. He reveals how these artifacts challenge the notion of an illiterate society. The conversation touches on the intriguing motivations behind nomadic inscriptions, including rituals and candid graffiti. Ahmad discusses the shift from polytheism to a focus on Allah and how inscriptions illuminate this transition. He also speculates on what these ancient texts may reveal about the religious landscape during and after Muhammad's time.

Ahmad al-Jallad, an Assistant Professor specializing in ancient Arabic and Semitic linguistics, reveals compelling insights into pre-Islamic Arabia. He uncovers the rich early writing systems and the impressive literacy levels in both settled and nomadic communities. Al-Jallad explores the diverse dialects of ancient Arabia and challenges existing narratives about Arabic's origins. Additionally, he discusses the evolution of Arabic scripts, highlighting influences from Aramaic and the significant linguistic shifts that laid the groundwork for modern Arabic.