Word order in multiple object constructions in KiVunjo-Chaga

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the interdependence between semantic roles, discourse functions and syntactic and lexical conditions in determining the order in which postverbal objects may appear. It asserts that, whereas the order may be determined by the semantic hierarchy of the object, non-beneficiary arguments have a relatively free word order. Often, the object that carries the most prominent information will appear adjacent to the verb.