The Syntax of Sentential Negation in Algerian BBA Dialect

Authors : Dalel Omri
Pages : 633-646
Doi:10.30622/tarr.1724309
View : 36 | Download : 31
Publication Date : 2025-09-30
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Lately, many researchers have become interested in the syntactic representation of negation in Standard Arabic as well as in its many regional dialects. While significant attention has been directed toward Palestinian, Jordanian, Kuwaiti, and Syrian Arabic, Algerian Arabic—especially the variety spoken in Bordj Bou-Arreridj (BBA)—has received considerably less attention within this theoretical framework. This study aims to fill this gap by studying the structural properties of sentential negation in the BBA dialect, thereby contributing to broader cross-dialectal and typological discussions on negation. Grounded in the principles of the Minimalist Program, the research critically evaluates three major theoretical accounts of negation: the Specifier Negation Analysis, the Discontinuous Negation Analysis, and Soltan’s (2011) updated proposal for Arabic negation. A descriptive-analytical methodology is adopted, supported by recent developments in syntactic theory, particularly those outlined in the Cambridge Syntax Guides. The data set consists of naturally occurring negated constructions, elicited and analyzed by the author, a native speaker of BBA dialect. The findings demonstrate that Soltan’s analysis most accurately captures the syntactic behavior of negation in this variety. In particular, it shows that negation is located in a position higher than Tense, with the two negation markers—maa and š—occupying distinct syntactic projections, namely the Polarity Phrase and the Negation Phrase, respectively. By contrast, the other two analyses fail to adequately explain negation in nominal clauses and contexts involving Negative Polarity Items (NPIs). This study thus enriches the underrepresented literature on Algerian Arabic and offers theoretical implications for negation in Arabic dialects more broadly.
Keywords : Sözdizimi, Cezayir Arapçası, Bordj Bou-Arreridj lehçesi, Ayrık Olumsuzluk Analizi, Tümce Olumsuzluğu, Belirleyici Olumsuzluk Analizi

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