Polar questions

Abstract

Abstract This chapter provides a detailed description and analysis of the syntax and pragmatics of Ikpana polar questions. The unmarked polar interrogative strategy in the language involves the use of a clause-final question morpheme that is realized as a lengthened utterance-final vowel, but several clause-final discourse particles may also be employed. Three such particles are identified. One marker is fully optional in root yes/no questions and conveys speaker attitude, but is obligatory in indirect polar interrogatives. Another optional particle gives rise to advice/warning/surprise implicatures. The third discourse particle has the most limited distribution, surfacing exclusively in questions involving focus. These three markers are in complementary distribution. The syntax of these particles is investigated and shown to provide insights into the structure of the clausal left periphery. The chapter also discusses the following phenomena: alternative questions, rhetorical questions, tag questions, and the encoding of emotions via clause-final particles.