Constraints on double-object constructions in Jordanian spoken Arabic

Abstract EN

This article shows that both Modern Standard Arabic and Jordanian Spoken Arabic have double-object constructions.

It suggests that double-object constructions in Jordanian Spoken Arabic are governed by semantic constraints.

Two classes of verbs that meet these conditions have been identified.

The first class comprises verbs whose semantic structure requires the involvement of both the agent and the goal in the implementation of the act.

The verbs in the second class lend themselves to further subgrouping; they signify motion into or towards a body or an object.