The Syntax of <i>Wh</i>-Questions in Gichuka
- 1 Chuka University, Chuka, Kenya
- 2 Ndagani Secondary School, Chuka, Kenya
- 3 Chuka University, Chuka, Kenya
Abstract
This study investigated wh -question formation in Gichuka, an SVO Bantu language spoken in Kenya. The study established that Gichuka forms wh -question using the four strategies, namely: wh - in situ , full wh -movement, partial wh -movement, and intermediate strategy. In wh - in situ , the wh -phrase does not move. In full wh -movement, the wh -phrase moves to the beginning of the sentence. In partial wh -movement, the wh -phrase moves to an intermediate Spec, CP. In the intermediate strategy, the wh -phrase moves to an intermediate Spec, CP, or a Spec of the matrix CP, followed by movement of the subject to position above CP, a Topic position. These findings are similar to those of Muriungi (2003) who established that Kitharaka, a related Bantu language forms questions using the four strategies. As in Muriungi (2003) , the study established that subjects cannot be questioned in situ .
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