Content Word Question Formation in Bàtònu

Abstract

The derivation of wh-questions in English takes a different approach in terms of its realization in Africa languages hence the change in its syntactic reference; content word question (henceforth, CWQ). This does not only affect the name but also its syntactic derivation across languages. So, this paper attempts an analysis of CWQ constructions in Bàtònū. Data for this study were elicited from competent speakers of Bàtònū in Ilesha-Ibaruba and Okuta through interview and observation. The data were then subjected to qualitative analysis using Government and Binding Theory (henceforth, GB) and Split INFL hypothesis as theoretical tools. We observed an inseparable interaction between content words (henceforth, CW) ex situ and the focus marker in the language. This led to a change in the forms of the CWQs in which the final vowels of the CW assimilate completely the features of focus mark á ex-situ. We equally found out that CW constructions in Bàtònū are interrogative focus constructions in that the CWs also carry an interrogative force when realized ex-situ. In other word, Bàtònū attests both content question in situ and ex-situ. Finally, since focus marker plays a significant role especially when a CW is derived ex-situ, it then becomes necessary to attempt a simple illustration of the phonemic function of tones in the formation of syntactic markers such as: class markers and focus markers through a syntagmatic displacement. This in-situ and ex-situ observation made us to run a response test through which it is observed that CWQ in Bàtònū can be answered with a focused construction, a truncated focused construction or a simple NP.