PKS 0119-46 and the origin of infalling absorption-line systems in quasars

It is proposed that the infalling (z/sub abs/>z/sub em/) absorption-line systems in the quasar PKS 0119--046 are due to a blueshifting of the broad emission lines with respect to the rest frame of the underlying galaxy in which the quasar is located rather than being due to a real high-velocity infall. The spectrum of PKS 0119-046 shows a narrow emission-line spike at 3610 A. This is interpreted as Lyman-α emission from the narrow-line region of the quasar. The emission is at a redshift very close to that of the highest redshift absorption-line systems. The spectrum of PKS 0119-046 is consistent with it having a lightly reddened narrow-line region similar to that which might be seen in a typical low-redshift quasar. The physical parameters deduced for one of the absorption-line systems are completely compatible with that system being caused by a narrow emission-line cloud seen in absorption