If someone asks "Can I not have a drink?", and someone else responds "No", is that considered as:
- No = No, you can't not have a drink. = You can have a drink.
or
- No = No, you can't have a drink. = You can't have a drink
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In the abstract, it is ambiguous. In context, with tone of voice and body language, it will usually be clear which is meant.– Colin FineOct 21, 2015 at 0:12
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1"Mind if I sit here?" "Yeah, okay." - Language is intuitive. Rules can only take you so far.– RickyOct 21, 2015 at 1:58
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This question seems relevant: english.stackexchange.com/questions/239647/…– herissonOct 21, 2015 at 3:49
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Yes, we have no bananas.– GEdgarOct 21, 2015 at 14:42
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2 Answers
In English, as opposed to some other languages, the answer "yes" or "no" to a yes or no question is not affected by whether the question is in the affirmative or negative. Another example: Do you have a car? Yes (I have a car), vs Don't you have a car? Yes (I have a car). The answer is the same despite how the question is framed.
The wording of the initial question "Can I not have a drink?" is slightly awkward unless used in the context "Everybody else is having a drink, but I would rather not have one; may I please be exempt from having a drink?"
In that case, I would interpret "no" to mean "no, you are obligated to have a drink."
answered Oct 21, 2015 at 2:40
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You mean the OP's question cannot be interpreted as "Can't I have a drink?"? In that case a negative answer would mean "No, you can't have any.".– FærdJan 17, 2016 at 17:02