Structuring the Narrative: Function of VS Clause in Tunis Arabic

Abstract

This paper discusses the function of Verb-Subject order in the narrative of Tunis Arabic. When the VS clause appears in the foreground discourse and its subject is a character, it causes shift of scene by setting a central character of the scene, its place, and its time. The paper demonstrates how this VS clause functions by examining the actual narrative sample. This function of scene shifting is connected with the basic function of VS clause, which thetically presents new information in the context. On the basis of this view, this paper clarifies the functional difference of the VS clause, SV clause, and V clause in the foreground discourse of the narrative. Further discussion is made in terms of information structure. This paper argues that scene shifting VS clause has two functions—that of Common Ground content, which conveys the information of the narrative’s content, and Common Ground management, which is concerned with narration itself. This framework explains exceptional shifts of scene without the VS clause.