Bantu Multiple Objects: Analyses and Fallacies

Abstract

Multiple objects in Runyambo (Bantu) are discussed, & it is demonstrated that Josephat M. Rugemalira's (1993) objections to Joan Bresnan & Lioba Moshi's theory of object asymmetries (see LLBA 24/3, 9006007) address only apparent problems. It is shown that the objects of a symmetrical language are asymmetrically represented in argument structure, which allows for the differential behavior of objects observed in several different areas. Analyses of word order & of the interpretation of first person object markers, which Rugemalira proposes rely on purely diacritic notions, are shown to achieve the same result within a hierarchical argument ranking. Following an evaluation of Rugemalira's claim against the hypothesis of the autonomy of syntax, it is proposed that, given a distinction between autonomy & interaction, Rugemalira's claim is not contradictory to the notion of autonomic syntax, but only to the idea that syntax does not interact with semantics. This claim is also refuted on the basis of material found in Mohanan (1994). D. Summers.