Subject, Theme and Agent in Modern Standard Arabic

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Ethnic Studies
Cover of the book Subject, Theme and Agent in Modern Standard Arabic by Hussein Abdul-Raof, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Hussein Abdul-Raof ISBN: 9781136107542
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: October 28, 2013
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Hussein Abdul-Raof
ISBN: 9781136107542
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: October 28, 2013
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Investigates the universal categories 'subject', 'theme', and 'agent' with special reference to their functional status in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and how these three distinct functions may or may not coincide in Arabic sentences. These functions are inexplicitly characterised by classical and modern Arab linguists and Arabists alike.
It has been found that the pre- (viz. sentence - initial) or post-verbal noun phrase (NP) in Arabic can be assigned the syntactic function 'subject' but may not necessarily assume the semantic function 'agent', that the pre-verbal NP, which may not necessarily be the 'subject', has the pragmatic function 'theme', and that these distinct functions sometimes cluster around a single NP in certain sentences, depending on genre.
It has also been found that in MSA the order of sentence constituents is relatively free, subject to a verb-initial preference, especially when needed to prevent ambiguity.
The present study reveals the fact that although coding features such as word order, case marking, and cross-referencing (viz. agreement) may provide a clear indication of which NPs are 'subjects' in MSA, they do not provide a clear-cut indication of semantic relations such as 'agent'; the 'subject' position in MSA is not necessarily the canonical 'agent' position.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Investigates the universal categories 'subject', 'theme', and 'agent' with special reference to their functional status in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and how these three distinct functions may or may not coincide in Arabic sentences. These functions are inexplicitly characterised by classical and modern Arab linguists and Arabists alike.
It has been found that the pre- (viz. sentence - initial) or post-verbal noun phrase (NP) in Arabic can be assigned the syntactic function 'subject' but may not necessarily assume the semantic function 'agent', that the pre-verbal NP, which may not necessarily be the 'subject', has the pragmatic function 'theme', and that these distinct functions sometimes cluster around a single NP in certain sentences, depending on genre.
It has also been found that in MSA the order of sentence constituents is relatively free, subject to a verb-initial preference, especially when needed to prevent ambiguity.
The present study reveals the fact that although coding features such as word order, case marking, and cross-referencing (viz. agreement) may provide a clear indication of which NPs are 'subjects' in MSA, they do not provide a clear-cut indication of semantic relations such as 'agent'; the 'subject' position in MSA is not necessarily the canonical 'agent' position.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book The Conduct of Inquiry by Hussein Abdul-Raof
Cover of the book Protestant Political Parties by Hussein Abdul-Raof
Cover of the book Meaning in Action: Interpretation and Dialogue in Policy Analysis by Hussein Abdul-Raof
Cover of the book One Hundred Years of Music by Hussein Abdul-Raof
Cover of the book Vladimir Putin and Russia's Imperial Revival by Hussein Abdul-Raof
Cover of the book Contemporary Debates in Education Studies by Hussein Abdul-Raof
Cover of the book Chinese Urban Design by Hussein Abdul-Raof
Cover of the book Writing Hollywood by Hussein Abdul-Raof
Cover of the book School Leadership through the Seasons by Hussein Abdul-Raof
Cover of the book Ancient Civilizations Of The New World by Hussein Abdul-Raof
Cover of the book Health and Lifestyles by Hussein Abdul-Raof
Cover of the book Publishing Networks in France in the Early Era of Print by Hussein Abdul-Raof
Cover of the book Dr. Laurie's Introduction to Statistical Methods by Hussein Abdul-Raof
Cover of the book Cultural Histories of Crime in Denmark, 1500 to 2000 by Hussein Abdul-Raof
Cover of the book Australian Critical Decisions by Hussein Abdul-Raof
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy