The interlocutor responds to a simple question with a counter question, why?

Counter questions are a common form of communication. People use counter questions to better understand the context of a conversation and the intent of the person asking the question. Counter questions can also be used to challenge assumptions, gather more information, or to give the speaker time to think before responding.

Counter questions can be used to help clarify a topic, or to encourage deeper dialogue. For example, if someone asks "What do you think about the new policy?" a counter question could be "What do you think the implications of the new policy will be?" This encourages the speaker to go beyond a simple yes or no answer and to think more deeply about the issue.

Counter questions can also be used to show interest and encourage engagement. For example, if someone asks "What did you do this weekend?" a counter question could be "What did you enjoy the most?" This allows the speaker to open up and share their experiences in more detail.

Finally, counter questions can also be used to express surprise or disbelief. For example, if someone says "I got an A on my test!" a counter question could be "Really? How did you manage that?" This expresses surprise and encourages the speaker to explain further.

Overall, counter questions are a powerful tool for communication. They can help clarify topics, show interest, and encourage deeper dialogue.