Arabic interrogative sentences are a type of imperative sentence employed to request information from the addressee. The essence of interrogation is to seek knowledge about an unknown fact by utilizing interrogative words. The true meaning of interrogation lies in searching for an answer to a question that the inquirer is uncertain about, assuming that the addressee possesses that knowledge.
Interrogative Words Arabic employs various interrogative words based on the aspect being inquired about:
- The Hamza and Hal: These particles are used to inquire about the truth or falsity of a statement. The response is typically “yes” or “no.”
- Example: “Did you draw this painting?” (أأنت رسمت هذه اللَّوحة؟)
- Man: Used to inquire about the rational subject of an action.
- Example: “Who drew this painting?” (مَنْ رسم هذه اللَّوحة؟)
- Ma: Used to inquire about non-rational things.
- Example: “What is this painting?” (ما هذه اللّوحة؟)
- Mata: Used to inquire about time.
- Example: “When did you draw this painting?” (متى رسمت هذه اللَّوحة؟)
- Kayf: Used to inquire about the manner or way something was done.
- Example: “How did you draw this painting?” (كيف رسمت هذه اللَّوحة؟)
- Ayn: Used to inquire about place or location.
- Example: “Where did you draw this painting?” (أين رسمت هذه اللَّوحة؟)
- Kam: Used to inquire about quantity or number.
- Example: “How many paintings did you draw?” (كم لوحةً رسمت؟)
- Anna: Used to inquire about time or place, depending on the context.
- Example: “When did you draw this painting?” (أنّى رسمت هذه اللَّوحة؟)
- Ayy: Used to specify or identify something from a group.
- Example: “Which painting do you like the most?” (أيّ لوحة رسمت هي الأحب إليك؟)
Purposes of Interrogation While the primary purpose of interrogative sentences is to seek information, they can also be used for various rhetorical purposes:
- Equating two things: Suggesting that two things are equal or similar.
- Negation: Expressing a negative statement.
- Affirmation: Confirming or emphasizing a statement.
- Creating suspense or excitement: Building anticipation.
- Expressing surprise or wonder.
- Creating fear or intimidation.
Let’s explore some examples of interrogative sentences in Arabic, focusing on different contexts and purposes:
1. Seeking Information:
- Simple question: “What is your name?” (ما اسمك؟)
- Question about time: “When will you arrive?” (متى ستصل؟)
- Question about place: “Where do you live?” (أين تعيش؟)
- Question about manner: “How do you like this city?” (كيف تعجبك هذه المدينة؟)
- Question about quantity: “How many books do you have?” (كم كتابًا لديك؟)
2. Rhetorical Questions:
- Emphasis: “Isn’t he a great teacher?” (أليس معلمًا رائعًا؟)
- Negation: “Is there anyone who doesn’t like chocolate?” (هل يوجد من لا يحب الشوكولاتة؟)
- Affirmation: “Aren’t you happy to see me?” (ألم تسعد برؤيتي؟)
- Suspense: “Do you know what I bought for you?” (هل تعرف ما اشتريته لك؟)
- Surprise: “Can you believe he said that?” (هل يمكنك أن تصدق أنه قال ذلك؟)
- Intimidation: “Do you want to challenge me?” (هل تريد أن تتحداني؟)