The Syntax and the Nature of the Wh-Clause in Modern Standard Arabic Specificational and Predicational Pseudoclefts

Abstract

This paper discusses the syntax and the nature of the wh-clause in specificational and predicational pseudocleft constructions. These two types differ in their syntactic properties. I argue that these differences are related to the nature of the wh-clause and the counterweight in these constructions. The wh-clause in MSA specificational pseudocleft shows interrogative-like properties, such as allowing wh-else forms and disallowing wh- ever forms, multiplicity, and wh-pied-piping. Predicational pseudocleft shows FRs properties, such as allowing WH- ever forms and not permitting sluicing and pied piping. Regarding their syntax, this paper shows that the wh-clause occupies the structural subject position (i.e., Spec-TP) in predicational pseudocleft constructions, and topic position (i.e., Spec-Top) in specificational pseudoclefts.