Preguntas que no preguntan

Abstract

This article, based upon a lecture delivered at the University of Alcalá de Henares in May 1990, during a Jornadas para la enseñanza del español como lengua extranjera, examines constructions that, in their emission, are characterized by an intonation peculiar to the Spanish interrogative scheme; and which, in their transcription, are denoted by interrogative marks, even though their production is not due to a desire to obtain information. The author's interest in these constructions originates in the reading of the doctoral dissertation of Mª V. Escandell (Madrid, Universidad Complutense, 1986). When these emissions are produced, both interlocutors identify the kind of speech act in which they are engaging: a suggestion (¿y si fueras al médico?), a warning or a threat (¿tú te crees que yo soy tonto?), or an incitement to action (¿y si yo te dijera que sé dónde está tu reloj?). These are structures which, almost apparently interrogatives, in fact do not ask a question. This article consists of a pragmatic analysis of the strategies used by the producer of such questions, with particular attention to introductory elements. It is proposed that we produce such questions when: 1. We anticipate a possible attitude or response. 2. We elicite a response or a reaction. 3. We react to what has been said to us. It is suggered that the physical presence of the interlocutors is not indispensable (Juan es un cara. ¿Pues no me pide que le preste el coche con el depósito lleno?). It is concluded that the analysis of the circumstances in which these constructions are used does not help to distinguish them from real questions. A more detailed analysis of intonation in these constructions would perhaps be more fruitful.