Aproximación Sintáctica a las Construcciones Exceptivas en Árabe y Español Syntactic Approach to Exceptional Constructions in Arabic and Spanish Languages

Abstract

The study examines the grammatical concept of exception as articulated in Arabic and Spanish through various syntactic constructions. This study is driven by the growing need to address structural asymmetries in bilingual and translation-oriented language education. Using a contrastive, functional-syntactic methodology, the study investigates both the structural and semantic characteristics of these constructions in Arabic and Spanish. The objective is to show their functional classification, engage with ongoing categorical discussions, and underline their educational significance within translation studies. The analysis is grounded in constructions that show a predicative relationship between a general set X and a subset Y, where a specific attribute is assigned to X while being denied to Y. The focus is on the syntactic interdependence of these elements and the grammatical encoding of exceptions in each language. Comparing these linguistic models, the paper discusses the shared syntactic restrictions but differing typological mechanisms. Methodologically, the research analyzes linguistic particles of exception—illā in Arabic and excepto, salvo, and menos in Spanish. These particles were used because they are syntactically alike and have similar functional semantic value. It examines how such particles link minimal clauses of opposed types between sentence members, contravening traditional grammatical analysis. The study suggests that these particles function similarly to coordinating conjunctions and advocates for their reclassification as exceptional conjunctions, a designation that more accurately reflects their role in sentence structure. The findings indicate that both Arabic and Spanish conceptualize exception as a binary syntactic relationship, whereby subset Y must be encompassed within set X, adhering to a whole-part logic. Furthermore, the study introduces structures unique to Arabic, revealing the absence of equivalent expressions in Spanish for the Arabic ‘illā’. This has important benefits for translators and educators, emphasizing the need to capture distinctive features during cross-linguistic transfer. The study enhances pedagogical approaches by systematically comparing the syntactic and semantic behaviors of exceptions in Arabic and Spanish. Drawing on illustration examples, it helps students understand grammatical complexity and complex meanings in translation contexts. Overall, this study contributes to refining grammatical analysis in multilingual curricula and opens paths for further comparative linguistic research. In addition, the analysis offers researchers of both languages an enriching perspective for studies of contrastive linguistic typology aimed at capturing the variety and similarities of forms and structures of Arabic and Spanish as regards exceptional constructions.