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The term "wh-question" seems transparent enough for English speakers, but reeks of English language chauvinism. I have heard such questions referred to as "information questions," "content questions, and "question-word questions," but I don't know what synonym or synonymous phrase for "wh-question" is most commonly used among professional linguists these days. I haven't been able to find an answer to my question.

Since my hobby is writing reference grammars for imaginary languages, an answer to this question will be useful for me.

James Grossmann
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    When I was (until 10 years ago) a lecturer at a university English department, "wh-question" was the common term; but that was in Britain, and an English department, so no qualms about chauvinism there. In German they are similarly called "W-Fragen", because the respective question words all start with 'w'. – Oliver Mason Dec 09 '22 at 08:46
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    I don't think I've heard any other term in linguistics but you could use "interrogative question" as a synonym. – Mellifluous Dec 09 '22 at 18:13
  • As far as I know, wh-questions are special questions while yes/no ones are general questions. – Yellow Sky Dec 14 '22 at 23:46

3 Answers3

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“Content question” is common. I’ve seen that used in typologically oriented grammars of languages from all over the world.

I’ve also seen non-polarity question, though I like that option less.

user40704
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Insofar as "yes-no" question has been replaced with "polar question", the alternative of "non-polar" question seems most reasonable.

user6726
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In the Cambridge Grammar of the English Language (which I think is considered the authoritative grammar to date) they’re called “open interrogatives” (yes-no questions are called “closed interrogatives”) and are one of the five types of clauses in English.

Julius Hamilton
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