What is the origin of Tuareg language?

The origin and meaning of the name Twareg has long been debated with various etymologies advanced, although it would appear that Twārəg is derived from the "broken plural" of Tārgi, an Arabic name whose former meaning was "inhabitant of Targa" (the Tuareg name of the Libyan region commonly known as Fezzan. Targa in Berber means "(drainage) channel", see Alojali et al. 2003: 656, s.v. "Targa"). A misinterpretation of Twārəg as a name connected with the Arabic root ṬRQ made up a false etymology "abandoned (by God)", which has no real linguistic support and is sometimes quoted by those who want to defame this ethnic group. A simpler Arabic source is the name Tarek or Tariq which means Morning Star (Venus) - a worthy name for these blue-skinned men.

The Tuareg today are found mostly in West Africa, but, like many in Northern Africa, were once nomads throughout the Sahara. They have a little-used but ancient script known as the tifinaɤ;

First answer by Ian ison. Last edit by Ian ison. Contributor trust: 36 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 35 [recommend question]