Embedded Predicate Phrases and Copular CPs as Non-phase Phrases in Classical Arabic

Abstract

This paper reveals that the application of the multiple Agree operation results in creating an assumption that the embedded predicate phrases and copular complementizer phrases (CP) in Classical Arabic (CA) are not phases. This multiple Agree operation occurs simultaneously between a c-commanding active verb and its c-commanded active goals that originate in the embedded predicate phrases and copular phrases in Classical Arabic. These goals also get their case valued in their original position. Our analysis is grounded on the recent extension of Chomsky’s minimalist program. It works on Agree proposed by Chomsky (2000) and Hiraiwa’s (2000) Multiple Agree operations. We apply these processes to the structure of Classical Arabic Hearts verbs, three-place predicates and a modified transitive verb by a secondary predicate. The crucial role of the locality condition is provided in this paper, as it is the constraint on which all the syntactic operations are based.