Some pragmatic functions of interrogative particles in Northern Sotho

Abstract

In Northern Sotho, two sets of particles are employed in interrogative structures, namely na (which varies with naa), and afa (which varies with a). In this article I indicate that, contrary to existing views, the two sets are incorporated into interrogative structures to mark quite different pragmatic functions. The central theme of the article is that unmarked general questions are characterized by a specific intonation pattern. When interrogative particles are introduced into these structures, they point towards the involvement of pragmatic factors which stretch beyond mere interrogativity.