The Discursive Functions of zar-Questions in Macedonian and Serbian

Abstract

This paper explores polar questions introduced by the particle zar in standard Macedonian and Serbian. The pragmatic-discourse properties of zar-questions, despite being a distinct type, remain understudied. The paper aims to establish the functional distribution and the pragmatic properties of these questions by analyzing examples from literary prose. The identified three discourse types exhibit striking similarity in both languages, which suggests a convergent functional development of zar. It also shows that zar functions as a modal operator of assertiveness rather than a typical interrogative particle.

Keywords

• Assertiveness. Biased questions. Particle. Rhetorical questions