Basic word order in Arabic : a minimalist account

Abstract EN

Recent developments in the generative transformational theory of syntax, known as The Minimalist Program, eliminated much of the theoretical constructs of earlier models.

S-structure, the government module, and Agr were among the areas that have been radically affected.

Since much of the work done on Arabic word order projected pre-minimalist models, its findings must necessarily have been outdated.

In this paper, I present a new analysis, taking into consideration recent developments in the theory.

In particular, I argue that the Standard Arabic word order is to be attributed to the availability of two alternative T nodes.

One T has number and strong N-features; the other is devoid of number and has weak N-features.

The former allows the derivation of subject-verb order and the latter allows the derivation of the verb-subject order.

The difference between Standard Arabic and the colloquial dialects is explained by assuming that the latter has only one T with number and strong N-features