Ignorance and competence implicatures in central Sicilian polar questions

In this paper we examine the distribution and functions of two optional particles found in polar questions central Sicilian: chi cusà. The import these can best be understood if their various types ‘non-canonical’ is analysed, based on typology outlined Farkas (2020). Farkas’s account, canonical are characterized by default assumptions speaker ignorance addressee competence about question’s propositional content, while non-canonical lack at least one assumptions. This characterization (non)-canonical terms allows us to capture particles, which strengthen conventional implicatures. particular, show that conventionally associated with competence, cusà ignorance. We frame analysis a version inquisitive semantics model, according sentence parameters: informativeness content relative participants’ information state, its inquisitiveness, is, potential raise an issue. perspective develop formal explicit particles’ meaning, turn successfully extended use beyond questions.