Question Formation in the Karonga Dialect of Tumbuka”, in O

In this paper, I discuss aspects of question formation in Tumbuka, a Bantu language spoken primarily inMalawi.1 The data I will present illustrate several unexpected features of Tumbuka question formation. Only subjects can be Wh-moved or extracted; objects and adjuncts remain in situ. Additionally, the landing site of Wh-movement may precede or follow the clause. Multiple Wh-words are prohibited within the same clause. Relative complementizers play a significant role in cleft constructions, which are used in some types of question formation. Section 1 will discuss the formation of Yes/No questions. Sections 2 and 3 will describe Wh-movement, the formation of Wh-questions, and a constraint against multiple Wh-constructions. Section 4 concerns relative clauses, and section 5 will discuss the role of cleft constructions in the formation of another type of Wh-question. 1 Yes/No Questions The formation of yes/no questions in Tumbuka is fairly straightforward; the question particle kasi is added to the beginning of the sentence, and final syllable stress and a rise in pitch is required. This is illustrated in the following statement and corresponding yes/no question: (1) iy