Abstract
This paper discusses the derivation of definite and indefinite relative clauses in Lebanese Arabic. The two types of relative clause are similar in that they require resumptive pronouns and do not exhibit island effects. Based on reconstruction effects, I however argue that definite relatives may be either base-generated or derived by movement, whereas indefinite relatives can only be base-generated.
Highlights
The goal in this paper is to investigate some properties of resumptive pronouns in Lebanese Arabic (LA)
Definite relatives are generated with a definite complementizer; indefinite relatives are generated with no complementizer
The following generalizations hold true in LA: (2) a. all relative constructions may violate islands. b. definite relatives display reconstruction only when the resumptive clitic does not occur within an island. c. indefinite relatives do not display reconstruction
Summary
The goal in this paper is to investigate some properties of resumptive pronouns in Lebanese Arabic (LA). I will do so by investigating the behavior of restrictive relative constructions in LA, which are generated with the resumptive strategy.. I will do so by investigating the behavior of restrictive relative constructions in LA, which are generated with the resumptive strategy.. LA distinguishes between definite relative constructions and indefinite ones. B. definite relatives display reconstruction only when the resumptive clitic does not occur within an island. Simplifying the features of the analysis, the behavior of the two types of relatives is accounted for under the following assumptions:. Movement is available in definite relatives b. Movement is not available in indefinite relatives. Movement is triggered to check features of the complementizer. On the other hand, there is no complementizer and nothing forces movement to occur. The theoretical implications of the analysis of resumptives will be discussed in the conclusion
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