Cases of Indirect Speech where 'whether = If' and not, 'regardless of whether'

Question

I am a little unclear as to what the definition of Indirect Speech is especially as it applies to the examples given in the lesson and in the use of verbs such as, 'se demander' and 'savoir'.

How is this Indirect Speech:

Je me demande si tu viens ou pas. ?

What I do understand is that in cases where 'whether = if', then 'si + Mode Indicatif' is applied.

The way I usually work it out in my mind is if the sentence is expressing the idea of 'regardless of which' or 'whether or not' than 'Que + Le Subjunctif' is used.

Accepted Answer

Bonjour N. Hilary,
You are are correct that "que + Subjonctif" means "whether or not". It is also important to know that, in French, with the Indirect Speech, you never use "que". And the "que clause", being an independent clause, can be omitted entirely. The sentence will still make sense and won't its main message.
 
Je me demande si tu vas venir ou pas = I wonder whether you'll come or not
-> "Si" clause has to be there or the sentence means nothing
Je le ferai (que tu le veuilles ou non) = I'll do it (whether you want it or not)
-> the "que clause" is independent and can be omitted - the main clause keeps its meaning
 
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !

Answer

Merci Celine,

Very helpful explanation. Now I just need to go back and practice some more!

However, I still would like a definition for "Indirect Speech". What is it exactly and could you give me some examples please?

Merci !

By the way, what is the correct way to say, "Thank you in advance":

"Merci par avance";

"Merci en avance"; or,

"Merci d'avance" ?

Anyway, your help is always very much appreciated.