Roots of words

Taliban and mujahedeen. I knew what they meant, of course, in the modern western usage. Mujahideen -- guerrilla fighters of Afghanistan against the Soviets, armed by America; used for other fighters, but they are less well known in the west. Literally translated, though, it is the genitive indefinite of "fighters" only. All of the other freight came later. Taliban -- strict Sunni movement that ruled Afghanistan and is struggling to regain it. Literally, it is the Pashto variation on the Arabic toolab, plural for students. So now I know the roots of each word, and the etymology and grammar of them. It's fascinating to read how history and politics influence language.

Midterms back, did very well. Of course, even the instructor admits it was an easy exam. I feel a little guilty, because I procrastinated and did it the morning before class and spent very little time on it, while I know other students spent a huge amount of time laboring over it.