Vraagstelling in Zulu

• Main Author: Jones, Aletta Catharina
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: Zulu language - Interrogative
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10258

M.A. (African Languages) === Questions in Zulu are characterised by a diversity of structures. Existing descriptions are of a sporadic and limited nature. The purpose of the study is to give an overview of all relevant features of questions in Zulu. The approach involves an examination firstly of general phonological, semantic, morphological and syntactical features of questions in Zulu and, secondly, of the features of each lexical item of an interrogative nature. Semantically, three basic types of questions can be distinguished in Zulu namely the "mere" (or "neutral") question, the question implying doubt and specific questions. On the phonological level subtle differences in intonation indicate shifts of meaning and distinguish between statements and questions. Morphologically, the interrogative lexical items have normal features according to the morphological system of Zulu and the word classes to which they belong. Syntactically the same rules apply as for statements and the word-order is basically the same as in statements. Certain lexical indicators are characteristic of Zulu questions. The interrogative indicator can be used in all three types. Although it is a general feature, its usage is not essential. (Y)ini, on the other hand, is only used when doubt (and a presumption of a "no" answer) is present. or as specific answers. occuring classes, specific but is A variety of other interrogative items ask more questions and also expect more specific Specific interrogative lexical items although especially as nouns, belong to various word including relatives and adjectives, adverbs particles. Each of these has its own phonological and semantic features but is morphologically and semantically in agreement with the essential features of the word-class to which it belongs. Overall the Zulu language proves to have a richness in the variety of ways in which general as well as specific questions may be asked.