Grammaticalization of the Particle Qad in Arabic

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the grammaticalization of the modal-aspectual particle qad in Classical Arabic and qid  in Saudi Najdi Arabic. This particle has two functions: before a perfect verb, it serves as emphasis (i.e., surely, indeed, verily), and before an imperfect verb, it indicates possibility (i.e., may, might, could). We first classify the environments in which this particle is found — i.e., before perfect or imperfect verbs, before or after the auxiliary kāna, before negatives, etc. — and demonstrate that qad is not an affix, whereas qid is. We then consult other Semitic languages for plausible analogies to the origins and development of qad. After that, we synthesize the data and analysis into an account of the grammaticalization of the particle qad, namely from plausible origins as an adjunct, then the specifier with interpretable features, then first verb in a Serial Verb Construction (SVC), to a head with uninterpretable features, to an affix with fewer uninterpretable features. Finally, we explore the plausible early stages of qad: as specifier with interpretable features (Biblical Aramaic example), then as a SVC (Syriac example), and then demonstrate that qad  cannot precede tensed negatives because qad is base-generated as the head of AspP, thereby blocking the negative from acquiring tense from T.