Question Formation In Efutu

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.