The semantics of applicativization in Kinyarwanda

Abstract This article explores the role of semantics in argument realization by providing a lexical semantic account contribution applicative morphology Bantu language Kinyarwanda (Rwanda). I propose that applicativization is best analyzed through constraint on paradigmatic relationship between applied and non-applied variants verb. Specifically, argue variant requires an increase entailments associated with internal predicate, verb classes have varying lexicalized strategies for how they satisfy this constraint. Building earlier work applicatives, syntactic contributions operate independently but all outputs being subject to propose. Taking these facts together, predicts typology three possible applicativization: one which adds new thematic (the function most frequently discussed), has effect giving license unrealized participant entailed meaning verb, does not valence rather modifies existing argument. describe exemplify predicted types output applicativization. approach thus subsumes previous observations about varied functions under single analysis as well builds alternations (such oblique alternations) extending such approaches valency-changing morphology.