The Syntax of ʔiˈða al-fud͡ʒɑːʔiːja ‘If of Surprise’ in Classical Arabic

Abstract

This scholarly investigation deals with the intricacies surrounding the syntactical nature of the phenomenon known as “If of Surprise” in the context of Classical Arabic, employing a methodological lens derived from the Minimalist framework. The “If of Surprise” construct represents a unique form of expression that incorporates a particle phonetically resembling the conditional particle “if” in Classical Arabic, yet its underlying structure diverges from establishing genuine conditional relationships. By employing the analytical tools provided by the Minimalist Program, this study scrutinizes the data associated with “If of Surprise” constructions, utilizing several syntactic diagnostics to uncover their distinctive characteristics. The findings of this study unequivocally demonstrate that “If of Surprise” exhibits remarkable traits that set it apart from conventional syntactic patterns. By shedding light on the mechanisms through which these projections operate, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of the sudden interpretive nature exhibited by “If of Surprise” By delving into the intricacies of its syntactic structure and exploring the role of Speech Act Projections, this research contributes to the broader field of linguistic inquiry and aids in unraveling the complexities inherent in the syntax of Classical Arabic.