The Problem of Word Order and Verbal Movement in Moroccan Arabic

This paper attempts to investigate word order and verbal movement in Moroccan Arabic the Minimalist framework. We observe that unmarked MA is SVO while derived structure VSO. follows an English-like derivation where subject moves from [Spec, vP] TP] whilst verb v T. raises issue of when it comes VSO languages have as underlying order. To derive VSO, we propose T Focus based on pragmatic reasons: verbs positioned left-periphery denote new information focused compared SVO. also test our proposal against marginal orders OSV OVS object topicalization result moving TopicP] which dominates FocusP. Moreover, go back trace cyclic movement. argue V position adverb. The further quantifier evidence feature checking: form a complex probe into check [TNS] [V] features. T-to-Focus occurs wh-constructions except /lli/ ‘that’ present. In WH-VO (WH wh-subject), stays wh-subject TP]. If present, then forced move FocusP]. WH-SV, wh-elements FocusP] Topic. WH-VS, Focus.