On the Suitability of Longobardi’s Model for Pashto Determiner Phrases

Abstract

Due to their predominantly overt nature, noun phrases have always remained a source of attraction for grammarians. In fact, the study of noun phrases is as old as grammar itself. The introduction of the generative approach to grammar did not diminish the interest in noun phrases. A paradigm shift in the study of noun phrases occurred when ‘D’ as the head of the noun phrase was introduced. A large number of language-specific and cross-linguistic studies were carried out to describe the determiner phrase. Among these, Longobardi (2001) is considered very influential account. On the other hand, during all these years of intense activity, determiner phrases in Pashto remained unexplored from any theoretical perspective. The goal of the current paper is to look at the varied forms of determiner phrases in Pashto and see whether Longobardi’s model can adequately explain determiner phrases in Pashto or the model needs adjustments to cater to the needs of Pashto determiner phrases.