Investigating the connection between the demonstrative and the definite morpheme -<i>a</i> in Runyankore-Rukiga

Abstract

This article examines the intrinsic relation between the demonstrative and the definite morpheme -a in Runyankore- Rukiga, a Bantu language of south-western Uganda. Although the definite morpheme -a lacks the deictic feature, which is intrinsic in the demonstrative, the paper gives semantic evidence to show that this morpheme is a functional determiner exhibiting an intricate relation with the demonstrative. Hence, the functional determiner -a can be viewed as a grammaticalised form of the demonstrative. Based on the criteria for the characterisation of grammaticalisation of demonstratives, a connection between the morpheme -a and the demonstrative is established.