kè (02_Particles in Asaxi)
kè
Grammatical function
- Particle type: Low Binding Particle (Clause Modifier)
- Function: Interrogative Marker (Verbal Question Mark)
- Meaning: Converts a declarative statement into a question.
Usage Notes (Position & Register)
The particle can appear at either boundary of the sentence, dictating the register.
1. Sentence-Final (Standard) Placed at the very end of the sentence. This is the natural, conversational flow.
- Structure:
[Statement] + kè?
2. Sentence-Initial (Formal/Alert) Placed before the Subject. It serves as a “Header” to announce an inquiry, often used in formal writing or complex sentences.
- Structure:
Kè + [Statement]?
3. Omission (Wh-Questions) If the sentence contains an Interrogative Pronoun (Wh-word like kshá, kjo), kè acts as a redundant marker and may be dropped to increase efficiency, provided the context implies a direct inquiry.
- Structure:
[Wh-word] ... [Verb]?
Pronunciation
IPA: /kə/
Alternative Forms
- kkè (Emphatic / Agitated). Pronounced with a geminated or aspirated initial /k/ (/kːə/). Used to express surprise or frustration in the question.
- Example: Wo ksá cè kkè? (“How do I know?!”).
Example sentences
Standard Yes/No: John shěsonů kè? Does John read?
Formal Header: Kè John shěsonů? Query: Does John read?
Wh-Question (Dropped Particle): Kshá shěsonů? Who reads?
Antonyms
- xă (Affirmation / Statement of Fact).
Derived terms
The k- prefix for Interrogative Pronouns:
- kshá (Interrogative Pronoun) (Who)
- kjo (Interrogative Pronoun) (What)
- ksi (Interrogative Pronoun) (Where)
- kvå (Interrogative Pronoun) (When)
- ksè (Interrogative Pronoun) (Why)
- ksá (Interrogative Pronoun) (How)