Projection in Arabic: a typological overview

Abstract This article examines the different aspects of projection by focusing on the processes construing this area of the lexicogrammar. It also explores how Arabic construes this dimension of the lexicogrammar across the rank scale and beyond. Within the Hallidayan Systemic Functional paradigm, there are three variables that differentiate between any type of projection and this article investigates all three of them. It more precisely explores the three different projection systems which consist of (i) the level of projection which is about the distinction between mental and verbal projection. (ii) The mode of projection which is about tactic interdependency relations and whether what is projected is a quote (paratactic) or a report (hypotactic) and (iii) the speech function of projection which is where projection interacts with the system of mood and the projection of propositions and proposals. The last section studies the manifestation of projection patterns in a wide variety of lexico-grammatical environments. The findings will show how this pervasiveness substantiates the interpretation of projection as a fractal motif.