Ijaz Arabi Journal of Arabic Learning
Vol 8, No 2 (2025): Ijaz Arabi: Journal Of Arabic Learning

The Syntax-Semantics Interface Of Copular Constructions: Evidence From Standard Arabic

Al-Horais, Nasser (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 May 2025

Abstract

This paper aims to provide additional supporting evidence for the Equative Approach by reducing the taxonomy of copular clauses into just two categories: predicational and equative. Data from copular structures in Standard Arabic are presented to bolster this approach. These data reveal that Standard Arabic features two distinct lexical copulas: (1) an inflected verbal copula, "kaana," and (2) a pro copula. A detailed examination of these two copular structures shows that the verbal copula is exclusively utilized in predicational clauses. In contrast, the pro copula is designated explicitly for equative clauses. This delineation indicates that the semantics of copular constructions cannot be adequately captured solely by the single-be analysis advocated by the Inverse Approach. Instead, an approach positing two copulas, one for prediction and one for equation, is deemed necessary, thereby advocating for the equivalent approach.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijazarabi

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Ijaz Arabi; published twice a year since 2018 (April and October), is a multilingual (Bahasa, Arabic, and English). This journal is published by the Arabic Department, Faculty of Education and Teachers Training, Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim ...