Phoenico-Punic Substrate in apotropicpractices in the Maghreb (anthropolinguistic approaches)

Abstract

Abstract: Carthage as a state was destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC after a long and bitter war between the two rivals. The fall of the state did not extinguish its powerful civilisation, which illuminated North Africa for seven centuries and marked it as a landmark in the history of mankind. This civilisation is still alive in its original form. An anthropological study of the Maghreb inevitably reveals concrete evidence of the strong Phoenician-Punic presence in the region. This is evident in the popular beliefs that are still widely accepted, even after the adoption of Islam as the dominant religion. Beyond socio-cultural beliefs, Phoenician-Punic traces are also evident in the everyday linguistic practices of the Maghreb communities, where Punic words overpopulate the various regional dialects, be they Arabic or Berber. This can only be one of the truest records of the history of the people and their enduring attachment to their glorious past. Keywords: Carthage, Popular beliefs, Punic language, Maghreb communities, Anthropolinguistics