Abstract
This is an analytical and descriptive study that is based on a general theoretical framework which can be characterized as “basic linguistic theory”. It aims to study Kunuz Nubian interrogative pronouns and question markers. Previous studies failed to pay adequate attention to these features. It is an attempt to characterize the strategies used in question formation and to identify the question markers. I argue that the question markers in this Nubian dialect fall into three sets: (a) the set of question markers -yaa, -naa, and -waa are used with sentences (non-copular construction) involving the neural marker -r-. (b) the set of questions markers that are used if the neural marker –r- is in a copular construction: -yaa, -re, -waa. (c) another set of question markers are attached to a declarative sentence in which the verb or copular verb is accompanied with the past tense morpheme. The study has also provided a list of interrogative pronouns that can occur with or without the question markers. Moreover, it has been shown that both compound and complex sentences are turned into interrogatives via the same question strategies used in simple sentences.
Highlights
Kunuz Nubian ( KN) has declarative, interrogative and imperative sentences
This paper aims to give a detailed analysis of question markers and interrogative pronouns in KN2
KN grammars lack a thorough discussion of interrogative pronouns and question markers
Summary
Kunuz Nubian ( KN) has declarative, interrogative and imperative sentences (cf. Abdel-Hafiz 1988). It has been shown that non-copular sentences involving the past tense morpheme –s- are turned into interrogative by way of attaching the same set of question markers associated with copular construction. Another set of question markers are attached to a declarative sentence in which the verb or copular verb is accompanied with the past tense morpheme –s-: re, maa, and nde These facts are illustrated in table 6. 23 Note that it is possible to place the interrogative pronoun in preverbal position: buru-gi nii nal-maa ?( girl-ACC who see-Q.PST). ISSN: 2668-7798 www.techniumscience.com what this-ACC break-Q.PST "What broke this?" In this example both the interrogative pronoun meer or meeki and the question marker –maa co-occur. 90. a. nii buru-gi bi-ed-naa-baa ? Who girl-ACC FUT-marry-Q.3SG-INDIQ "I wonder who will marry the girl." b. nii mando aag-naa-baa ? who there stay-Q.3SG INDIQ "I wonder who stays there."
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