“What’s this?” is a question. (As is, “Is this a rock?”)
EDIT (continuation):
Labeling something as unidentified, and requesting information, or requesting confirmation of a label.
Why? Asking for a cause, or justification, intent, or purpose. (In the event of a disaster, indicating that something wasn’t planned is also a response, so ‘a lack of intent’ is also an answer, as may be an apology*.) May also indicate distress.
Subset: How? indicates an inquiry into the means by which a state was reached, or the methods by which an end was achieved, but is also an exclamation of surprise, and may be a request for information similar to What?**.
When/Where? Asking for a location in space or time, especially when one possess part of a location.
*I’m not sure what the name for the general category is. (It may also includes pleasantries.)
**The common element seems to be confusion, and sometimes wanting information, or time to process.
TL;DR:
“What’s this?” is a question. (As is, “Is this a rock?”)
EDIT (continuation):
Labeling something as unidentified, and requesting information, or requesting confirmation of a label.
Why? Asking for a cause, or justification, intent, or purpose. (In the event of a disaster, indicating that something wasn’t planned is also a response, so ‘a lack of intent’ is also an answer, as may be an apology*.) May also indicate distress.
Subset: How? indicates an inquiry into the means by which a state was reached, or the methods by which an end was achieved, but is also an exclamation of surprise, and may be a request for information similar to What?**.
When/Where? Asking for a location in space or time, especially when one possess part of a location.
*I’m not sure what the name for the general category is. (It may also includes pleasantries.)
**The common element seems to be confusion, and sometimes wanting information, or time to process.