The Syntax of Left Periphery in Arabic: A Multiple Feature Inheritance Account

This paper examines the syntax of the left periphery in Arabic through the framework of Multiple Feature Inheritance (MFI). Traditional cartographic syntax assigns distinct projections (e.g., TopP, FocP) to account for discourse–related elements, but it often clashes with phase theory and standard Feature Inheritance (FI), which allows only a single transfer of features from C to T. To resolve this tension, the study applies MFI to Arabic data, arguing that features such as [Top], [Foc], and [Case] originate in C and are transferred through multiple applications of FI to intermediate heads (δ). These heads acquire functional identity – like δ–T or δ–C –based on the inherited features. This mechanism explains how topicalized DPs receive nominative case via direct probing by C, while accusative–marked DPs (in focus or base–generated topics) derive their case either through δ–C or from transitive verbs. Arabic root and embedded clauses illustrate how MFI accounts for differences in case, movement, and compatibility with wh–elements more effectively than cartographic models. The analysis provides a unified, feature–based explanation of Arabic left periphery constructions within minimalist syntax, offering insights into cross–linguistic variation, clause structure, and the interplay between discourse features and syntactic derivation in a principled and economical manner.