Reflexives in Arabic: A Binding Approach

Abstract

The paper examines how to calculate the distribution and reference of the nafsahu / nafsuhu reflective pronouns in Arabic within binding theory. Anaphoric nafsahu can appear in argument positions, while definite nafsuhu / nafsahu can appear mainly in non-argument positions. It turns out that the connecting theory is capable of dealing adequately with the facts of Arabic reflexives. Contrary to the traditional view, it is suggested that treating as a reflective compound word for this will help to capture the facts accurately. It also shows that the Arabic language lacks reflexives for a long distance because it does not have a simple self reflexively.