Junction in English and Arabic: syntactic, discoursal and denotative features

Using Standard Arabic original texts and idiomatic English translations, this paper considers syntactic, discoursal and denotative similarities and differences between English and Arabic in respect of junction. In order to define the basic analytical scope, a composite definition of 'sentence' is developed, integrating grammatical, semantic and punctuational/intonational criteria. It is argued for both English and Arabic that the adjunction-disjunction distinction is properly syntactic, but that disjunction-coordination is perhaps better understood as a semantic cline. The relationship between thematic structure, mainness-subordination and grounding is investigated. While English typically backgrounds rhematic subordinate clauses, with disjuncts more likely to be foregrounded than adjuncts, Arabic readily allows foregrounding of rhematic subordinate clauses. The Arabic disjuncts {A figure is presented} ('id) and {A figure is presented} (under(h, ̇) a y under(t, _)) 'since, as' may display discoursal independence beyond that possible for a foregrounded subordinate disjunct rheme in English. While English standardly requires both main coordinate clauses to be foregrounded, Arabic allows either clause to be foregrounded or backgrounded. Denotative differences are illustrated by the greater capacity of Arabic adjunct-heads {A figure is presented} (under(h, ̇) a t t a a) and {A figure is presented} (ila 'an) 'until' for denotative independence from their main clause than English 'until'. Discoursal and denotative factors may interact to produce Arabic coordinate-clause types which are strikingly unlike English ones.