Datapoint Michif/Polar questions

Polar questions are marked by an interrogative marker in most cases, but not always.

The interrogative particle can be placed at the end of the sentence, or after the first constituent.

In some cases intonation is sufficient to mark a polar question.

Values

Question particle in other position Frequency: 53.8%

Example 75-261:
Enn aanzh chi awa eepeenaashit?
Enn
art.f.sg
aanzh
angel
chi
q
awa
dem.anim
ee-pee-naash-it?
rel-come-fetch-3.sbj.1.obj
Is she an angel who has come to get me?

Source: Fleury 2007

Example 75-263:
Kitayaanaan chii lii zavis di bwaa?
Ki-t-ayaa-naan
2-LIAISON-have-1pl
chii
q
lii
art.pl
zavis
screw
di
of
bwaa?
wood
Do we (inclusive) have any lag screws?

Source: Laverdure and Allard 1983: 159

Confidence:
Very certain

Only interrogative intonation Frequency: 23.1%

Example 75-264:
Uta kikipakitinaen kitiwaan?
Uta
here
ki-kii-pakitin-aen
2-pst-lay-3.sbj.3obj
k-it-iwaa-n?
2-say-indf.obj-2
You laid it here, you said?

Source: Laverdure and Allard 1983: 162

Example 75-265:
Kiitakushinin a likol aan taan?
Ki-kii-takushin-in
2-pst-arrive-2
a
loc
likol
school
aan
in
taan?
time
Did you get to school on time?

Source: Laverdure and Allard 1983: 202

Confidence:
Very certain

Final question particle Frequency: 23.1%

Example 75-262:
Wiya tipeehtem li stor chiin?
Wiya
3sg
tipeeht-em
own.inan-3.sbj.3obj
li
def.art.m.sg
stor
store
chiin?
q
Does he own the store?

Source: Laverdure and Allard 1983: 211

Confidence:
Very certain