The Syntax of Complex Tense Constructions in Standard and Jordanian Arabic

Abstract

The study presents a Minimalist account of the syntax of Tense in Arabic. I assume that Tense is not morphologically realized, but independent structural evidence, e.g. subjects’ Nominative Case and the availability of expletive subjects, suggests the presence of an independent TP in the Arabic clause structure. Simple tense constructions are monoclausal with one TP; complex tense constructions are biclausal with two TPs that differ in their categorical feature structure. This proposal explains the semantic temporal dependency of the embedded clause on the matrix clause, and the impossibility for the embedded T head to host the Arabic tensed negative particles.