WHAT?
Definition
Grammatically, the word what is a pronoun. When used as a question, it asks for a qualitative distinction. What is it? is asking about identity – indicate where the entity fits into prevailing taxonomies or typologies. What is going on? asks a similar question about events. The context of the question usually gives a reasonable clue about the extent of details being sought. What do you mean? asks for clarification of previous messages. Hence, the parameter what runs from describe to designate..
Purpose
The intention of this question? It could be to alleviate ignorance – someone wants to be informed. It could be to reduce ambiguity, if it isn’t clear which of two or more plausible alternatives is actually the case. It could be rhetorical – a desire for affirmation or confirmation of something already known, but perhaps needing emphasis. The question may be authentic – or someone may be pulling your chain. Be succinct, don’t pontificate.
Explication
The answer the interlocutor is looking for is only part (often a small part) of the totality of relevant information that speaks to the issue. People usually want a short and simple reply, to bridge their information gap – they will be impatient with “wider” explanations, but the result will be “rote learning” rather than meaningful understanding. Regrettably this superficiality is quite widespread – answer or not, and listen for genuine queries.
Implication
Ignorance is far broader and deeper than knowledge. It is truly surprising what most of us don’t know – even the commonplace or essentials often escape us. It may be still more amazing what most of us forget – the elaborate routines needed for advanced technology usually can’t be recalled after just a few weeks of non-use. Forgive what others don’t know, just as (you hope) they will forgive what you don’t know. Try.
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