Question Formation in Efutu
Date
2013-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Ghana
Abstract
This study is couched within the framework of Basic Linguistic Theory. It takes a
descriptive approach to the study of the typology of questions and their responses
in the Efutu dialect of the Awutu-Efutu language (Guan, Kwa). It is further aimed
at establishing the relevance of focus in questions and to find out how question
intonation and questions particles interact. The typology of questions was based on
the kind of responses the questions solicit. Three types of questions were
identified, namely; polar, alternative and content questions. Polar questions are
formed through the use of question intonation or with the question particles
and
. It was established that question intonation is the obligatory element that
differentiate a declarative from its corresponding polar question. It was also found
that question intonation is present even when a question particle is used in the
construction of a polar question. Efutu is classified among languages that confirm
the utterance over the reality in answering a negative polar question when the state
express by the negative question is true. The question intonation is also the only
element that leads to the identification of alternative questions as unlike a
conjoined declarative with the disjunctive
question particle. Two strategies
were identified in the formation of content questions, namely; in-situ and focused
content questions which ends with the aa utterance final clitic. Focus is a common
strategy in questions in Efutu and it is associated with saliency and emphasis. This
study serves as a reference for future research in Efutu and in question formation.
Description
Thesis (MPHIL)-University of Ghana, 2013