Hindi-Urdu Interrogative Particles #
Particles related to question formation in Hindi-Urdu, as Particle
values with embedding-distribution facets, following [BD14]
and [Day25].
Hindi-Urdu lacks a dedicated wh-complementizer for polar questions (unlike English whether or Italian se). Instead, it uses:
- kya: — analyzed by [BD20] as a polar question particle
at PerspP (not CP); the layer is derived from the embedding facet in
BhattDayal2020, together with its predicate-selection profile. - ki — a general subordinator (like Hungarian hogy), compatible with both declarative and interrogative complements.
The absence of a clause-typing particle means:
- Simplex polar questions (just p, no "or not") cannot be subordinated (clause-typing cannot be forced at CP).
- kya: in embedded position is the hallmark of quasi-subordination.
ki — general subordinator. Compatible with both declarative and interrogative complements (and with responsive and rogative predicates alike). NOT a clause-typing particle.
Equations
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Instances For
kya: — [BD20]'s polar question particle: occurs in
polar questions but not wh-questions, optionally in matrix and in a
restricted way in embedded questions, with flexible clause-internal
positioning ("can occur almost anywhere within a clause", §2).
Selectionally: incompatible with nirbhar kar-na: "depend on" (a
responsive selecting CP only); compatible with pu:ch-na: "ask" and
sava:l yeh hai "the question is" (rogatives). Its PerspP layer is
derived in BhattDayal2020.
Equations
- One or more equations did not get rendered due to their size.
Instances For
ya: nahii: — "or not", provides an overt alternative for polar questions. Required in subordinated polar questions (since kya: is unavailable there); forms specifically alternative questions.
Equations
- One or more equations did not get rendered due to their size.