The Syntax of Wh-Questions in Gichuka ()
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.
Share and Cite:
Muriungi, P. , Mutegi, M. & Karuri, M. (2014). The Syntax of
Wh-Questions in Gichuka.
Open Journal of Modern Linguistics, 4, 182-204. doi:
10.4236/ojml.2014.41015.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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