LE 95: The A/A-bar Distinction and Movement Theory in Standard Arabic: A Minimalist Approach

The A/A-bar Distinction and Movement Theory in Standard Arabic: A Minimalist Approach

Abderrahmane Zouhir
Wayne State University

This book explores the issue of A/A-bar movement in Standard Arabic (SA) within the framework of Minimalist Program (MP). The author’s contention throughout this work is to show that A and A-bar movement have different properties. Each of the different chapters may be self-contained part. Still, the common denominator to all of them is to support the claim that A-movement is not A-bar movement.

The first chapter outlines the basic concepts underlying the Minimalist Program adopted in this book. The chapter begins with a demonstration of the problems that beset Government and Binding (GB) theory and provides an appropriate body of empirical evidence in favor of the properties of the A/A-bar positions within the framework of the MP.

Chapter two outlines some salient properties of Standard Arabic. Special attention is given to word order and Standard Arabic morphology. Some previous accounts of word order are examined to show their limitations and support the alternative analysis the author provides.

Chapter three explores in depth different types of A-bar movement such as topicalization, left dislocation, wh-movement and relative clauses. The major claim the author argues in this chapter is that all these types of movement involve a movement to a non L(lexically) related position.

ISBN 9783862884360. Linguistics Edition 95. 237pp. 2013.