[C] Phase in Arabic Syntax: A Minimalist View

Abstract

The objective of this article is to explore the syntactic and semantic values of the complementizer? An ‘that’ in coordinate and subordinate subjunctive clauses in Arabic syntax. [C] is filled with this entity at spell-out but not at the phonetic form (PF). However, if it occurs overtly at this level, it causes the ungrammaticality of the sentence; thus, it must be omitted after checking all features at the phase. The methodology: the researchers used qualitative and theoretical approaches to analyze the selected data. To solve this intricate issue in syntax, they referred to Chomsky's (1995 and 2005) views on minimalist and phase theory. Conclusions: the researchers discovered that? An ‘that’ is a true complementizer and performs its syntactic functions at spell - out and inherits all features available in [T”] at the logical form [LF]. [T”] has the features [categorial features, ϕ - features] and the optional features [Agrs, Case, Theta marking]. [C] must check all of them in the derivational processes at all levels of syntax. The features [Agrs, T, D±] enforce the lexical categories [D”] and [V”] to move to certain positions in the structures to complete the process of features checking. Thus, their covert syntactic movements are applied smoothly without causing crashes and achieve convergence.  [+ interpretable] features are maintained at LF, while [- interpretable] are deleted before interface. The complementizer? An ‘that’ moves and merges covertly with coordinator? Aw ‘and’ and subordinator hatta ‘until’ at the highest nodes in the syntactic hierarchy to achieve word order.