A Contrastive Study on Indonesian and English Question Words

Abstract

Interrogative sentences constitute one of the most important modes of sentences in any
world language. By this type of sentence, the language speakers can get information
regarding everything they do not know, something they hesitate, or anything that the
hearer wants to agree with. As such, this mode of sentence should be mastered by all
language learners. However, like any other mode of sentences, interrogative sentences
are also differently structured across languages, bringing serious difficulties for all
second language learners. Moreover, languages do not belong to the same family group,
like Indonesian, which belongs to the Austronesian family group, and English, which
belongs to the Indo-German family group. Concerning this matter, this research paper
will briefly describe the differences in the use of Indonesian question words apa, siapa,
berapa, di mana, bagaimana,and kapan and its English contrast with what, who, how
many/much, where and when. By contrasting Indonesian interrogative sentences
containing apa, siapa, berapa, di mana, bagaimana, and kapan, and how they are
expressed in English, it is found that not all these Indonesian question words can be
directly and translated into what, who, how many/much, where and when. These
differences will hopefully enhanche awareness of all language learners about the
individualities or peculiarities owned by any language to ease their learning processes.