Content Questions in Zarma

Abstract

While attempts to account for the internal structure of wh-question constructions have been on for several decades, very little or no information is available on Zarma. Relying on minimalist program model, this paper investigates the syntax of Zarma wh-questions. It identifies the items employed as wh-words and shows the strategies involved in the derivation of wh-question constructions in the language. It argues that wh-in-situ strategy is not allowed in the language and that Zarma wh-questions have a covert head. The use of mótè in a question type without the focus marker nò is recognised as a pseudo-wh-question. The structure of wh-question furthermore shows that an economy principle is at work when Zarma wh-words move from the embedded clause to the initial position of the main clause.