Problems of the Content Clause in Hebrewp

Abstract

A content clause is a subordinate clause usually describing the content of a word existing as an antecedent in the main clause. In this paper, we present an overview of the Hebrew studies devoted to content clauses since this structure was first recognized and described until a recent paper from 2008, where a multitude of examples from all periods have been gathered. A special section describes Jespersen's contribution to the topic, even though this great linguist did not directly investigate this issue per se. The content clause as an adjectival clause is the most interesting point. It differs from other adjectival clauses in some essential features. A conclusive investigation should also reveal the source of these differences. Such a review might clarify the essential features of the content clause. It also shows how the science of linguistics is developing by discussions and mutual criticism. We will not refrain from criticism where it may clarify details in order to achieve better understanding. This paper also demonstrates the efforts to formalize semantics, that is, to incorporate semantic features or even certain dictionary entries within syntactic rules. Here we can define new sets of features of nouns and verbs serving as an antecedent followed by a content clause. These lists of words may be considered a part of the syntax. They share not only semantic features but syntactic features as well.