Expert: Sirine Malas - 9/9/2011

Question
Hello.

All else aside, the present situation in Libya certainly has put the country on the world stage. Were it not for that, I surely would never have heard of "Bani Walid.

I'm wondering what "bani walid" means. I'm specifically interested in the meaning of "bani" as I would like to find out if it may be derived from (or the source of) words in numerous other languages that contain the syllable "ban" (commonly inferring some manner of low area or "lowness," such as "basin"—or a "harbor" or perhaps "port.") Of course, "bani" could come from one of the Berber languages; I'm only guessing it is Arabic.

Do you know, can you find out, or otherwise direct me to a possible source of an answer?

regards,
Dan

Answer
Dear Dan,

Sorry for the delay.

About Bin Walid ... Bin means "the son of" the scandinavians have Van before their Surnames similarly to Bin.

It is definitely Arabic ... Modern Classic Arabic...

If you need further help or details .. be my guest :-)

All the Best ,

Sirine