Wh-question formation in Lokạạ

Abstract

This paper discusses wh-questions in the Benue-Congo language, Lokạạ. The different strategies of wh-question formation are examined. It is observed that in addition to the ex-situ and in-situ strategies, the language allows partial wh-movement under embedded clauses. It is shown, however, that embedded questions in the language are formed via relativization. I argue that these wh-questions strategies involve wh-movement. Wh-subject questions in Lokạạ are fascinating as the absence of an overt subject triggers the subject relative clause tone on the verb. I further show that wh-phrases and focused constituents in the language are not in complementary distribution and argue that wh phrases in the Lokạạ are not focused.