Forms And Functions Of Questions In The Speech Of A 28- Month -0ld Monolingual Shona Speaker.

Abstract

This paper analyses the forms and functions of Yes/No and Wh-questions produced by a 28-month-old child acquiring Shona as a first language (L1). Elicitation of data which spanned over a period of four weeks called for fine the fine tuning of the researcher’s ear, creating a reason to talk on the part of the child, transcribing and interpreting data. Regarding form, with the exception of one form which had asi in preposed position, Yes/No questions were marked either suprasegmentally or by postposed here. Wh-question formatives, -i,-ei,-pi and ani were observed as the child’s typical postposed question forms. In addition, –ko, a postposed form which emphasizes that a question has been asked was observed. Evidence from the data gathered suggests that on verbal elements, preposed positions are relatively weaker than postposed ones. In terms of functions, Yes/No questions asked for agreement or disagreement with the addressee and requests for permission to perform an action. Wh-questions were generally asked for information on identity, location or ownership of an object, event, situation or action, although a few Wh-questions demanded reasons.