Abstract
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.