The Functions of Kamba Verbal Extensions

Abstract

This paper examines four verbal extensions found in Kamba and other Bantu languages, noting the ways in which each extension affects both the number and type of arguments allowed by the verb and the meaning of the entire clause. It criticizes the descriptions of the functions of verbal extensions offered by Guthrie (1962) for Bantu and by Whiteley & Muli (1962) for Kamba, and offers a new description with the premise that the functions of verbal extensions in Kamba can not be accurately described without reference to the semantic roles of the arguments of the verb. It discusses problems with traditional terminology used with verbal extensions and suggests alternative labels.