What question did this study set out to answer?

The main intent is to show that definite relative clauses in Adara do not function as strong islands for extraction.

February 2, 2026Open Access

Absence of Relative Clause Islands in Adara

Key Points

The main intent is to show that definite relative clauses in Adara do not function as strong islands for extraction.
Analyzed the structure of relative clauses in Adara.
Examined evidence from crossover and reconstruction effects.
Investigated quantifier float phenomena.
Evaluated long-distance agreement involving relativized verbs.
Definite relative clauses in Adara allow free extraction of both arguments and adjuncts.
Crossover effects suggest A-bar movement is permitted in these clauses.
Material within relative clauses can trigger agreement with external subjects, differing from other language structures.

Abstract

I argue that definite relative clauses, despite their stable strong island status cross-linguistically, lack island status in Adara. The structure is neither selective nor weak, but rather completely permeable, allowing the free extraction of both arguments and adjuncts. In support of the claim that A-bar movement may escape relative clause domains in Adara, I adduce evidence from crossover effects, reconstruction effects, and quantifier float. In addition, I show that relative clause-internal material may probe upwards and outwards, triggering long-distance agreement of relativized verbs with clause-external subjects in a way that is not possible with true island structures in the language.

Absence of Relative Clause Islands in Adara

Key Points

Abstract

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