Doubled constructions are marked sentences in which some element is repeated in final position. In the case of wh-signs, doubling this element in a content interrogative results in a partial question with two equal, coreferential wh-signs. The doubling could be explained as a means to receive prominence or emphasis. A content interrogative with a doubled wh-sign differs from a multiple wh-interrogative [SYNTAX 1.2.3.8]; the first construction requires only a single element as their answer, while the second one requires a pair list.
wh
what john steal what
‘What did John steal?’
(based on Alba, 2016: 100)
The actual distribution of the wh-expressions in doubled constructions can only be:
- Initial plus final position, or
- Base plus final position.
The spreading of non-manual markings over the components to the left of the first wh-sign is optional. However, the appearance of a wh-sign in an initial or in its base position triggers the obligatory spreading of non-manual marking to the end of the clause.
a) Initial + final position
wh
what john steal what
‘What did John steal?’
b) In situ + final position
( ) wh
john what steal what
‘What did John steal?’
(examples a-b based on Alba, 2016: 100-101)
Complex wh-expressions (wh-sign plus a restrictor) can also participate in doubled wh-interrogatives. Regarding their distribution, the behavior is the same one observed for simple wh-expressions. At least one of the two wh-expressions must occupy the final position of the sentence. The other one may be in initial position or in situ. Non-manual markings must cover all the material between the two wh-expressions.
wh
whisky which john drink whisky which
‘Which whisky does John drink?’
(based on Alba, 2016: 105)