Quote
C Chiu
Using「呀？」as a final particle in a question is kind of blunt,
Using 呀 is not blunt or assertive. In fact, 呀 is a ‘softening’ particle used on most occasions to soften a blunt question/statement. 你有冇中文名 is blunt without the final particle 呀.
On the other hand, 呢 is an ‘interrogative’ particle used here to lay focus on the subject matter of 中文名 rather than for softening bluntness.
I think the end tone is the major factor for the " softness" or " bluntness" of a final particle,
Use 呀 for example
Use raising end tone, it sound demanding,
Use shortened end tone, it sound impatient.
Use extended end tone, it sound casual
Use flat or dropping end tone , then it would indeed, soften the tone of your speech.
> Using「呀？」as a final particle in a question is kind of blunt,
I might had the " raising end tone" of 呀 in mind when I wrote that.