Buscar
A-not-A question
/ˈeɪnˌɒtə kwˈɛstʃən/
/ˈeɪnˌɑːɾə kwˈɛstʃən/A-not-A question
01
pregunta A-no A, interrogante A-no A
a type of question structure in which the speaker presents two alternative choices or possibilities, typically using the same verb or adjective in both options, to inquire about the truth or preference of the statement
What is an "A-not-A question"?
An A-not-A question is a type of interrogative structure commonly found in some languages, including Chinese, where a statement is formed by presenting a verb or adjective in two forms: the affirmative (A) and the negative (not A). This structure allows speakers to ask yes-or-no questions in a concise way. For example, in Mandarin Chinese, one might say "Is he tall or not tall?" The A-not-A question format emphasizes the two contrasting options, making it clear what the speaker is asking. Understanding A-not-A questions is important for analyzing question formation in different languages and appreciating the variety of linguistic structures used to elicit information.
