This analysis examines the semantic roles of direct and indirect objects in Kinyarwanda, a Bantu language mainly spoken in Rwanda. The case grammar theory of Fillmore guides the study; it suggests that in addition to the syntax surface level, sentences are structured around verb’s semantic roles. The analysis starts by establishing the complexity to distinguish some direct objects from indirect ones in the Kinyarwanda language. The scrutiny reveals that direct objects in Kinyarwanda have the semantic roles of instrument, location, phenomenon, patient and theme. It also proves the semantic ambiguity within the semantic roles of patient and theme. Regarding indirect objects, the research work proves that they are associated with the semantic roles of beneficiary and recipient in this language. The paper also shows how syntax and semantics are related in Kinyarwanda, specifically in relation to the semantic roles of direct and indirect objects. The analysis also highlights the similarities between Kinyarwanda and the Embosi language based on the semantic roles of direct and indirect objects. Finally, the research work points out the pragmatic dimension of the semantic roles of direct and indirect objects in Kinyarwanda. It highlights how the context influences the meaning of semantic roles in terms of presupposition and implicature.
Ngapoula et al. (Tue,) studied this question.