Wh-interrogatives in Dholuo: A Minimalist Analysis

Abstract

The order of wh-interrogative constituents varies in different languages. Some languages front the wh-words while others do not. The central concern for this study is to find out where Dholuo lies concerning the positioning of wh-interrogatives. This paper is guided by this objective: to account for the position of wh-interrogatives in Dholuo using the Derivation by Phase Theory. Two programmes from Ramogi TV: Pur gi Ohala (Agribusiness) and Penj Laktar (Ask the Doctor), were sampled purposively. Introspection was also employed to supplement the information gathered from the press. Different types of wh-interrogative sentences were extracted from the recorded interactive sessions of the two programmes. The qualitative research design was employed to analyse the data. The analysis revealed that movement in Dholuo wh-interrogative phrases is optional. Fundamentally, it was confirmed that Dholuo wh- interrogatives can be accounted for using Derivation by Phase. However, the article recommends that Derivation by Phase be extended to accommodate languages like Dholuo where wh- interrogatives are interpretable without overt movement.  Further, the findings in this article can be integrated in preparing Dholuo grammar teaching materials as well as automated language processing models for the language.