Assertive questions in Maihtki

This paper considers the use of assertive questions utterances which have the form of questions, but are heard as assertions in conversation and narrative in Malhlki (Tukanoan, Peru). Maihiki assertive questions are syntactically identical to polar questions, but are pragmatically treated as declaratives of the opposite polarity. Speakers employ assertive questions as the conventional means for several grammatical and interactional ends. I show that the class of actions done by assertive questions in this language is uniquely characterized by the presence of a threat to the speaker's positive face. Crucially, the facework properties of assertive questions arise from their preference structure, not from their syntax. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.