Multiple-object constructions in Ganda

The possible number of pre-stem object markers (OMs) and the symmetrical/asymmetrical nature of objects in double-object constructions in Bantu languages havebeen widely discussed (Bresnan & Moshi 1993, Marlo 2015, Marten & Kula 2012,Zeller 2014, among others). While both objects display the same syntacticproperties in symmetrical languages, only one object has the syntactic properties ofthe primary object in asymmetrical languages. Ganda (JE15), spoken in Uganda, isconsidered a language that allows two OMs (Ssekiryango 2006, Marlo 2015), andalso a symmetrical object language, according to the criteria of Bresnan & Moshi(1993). However, according to our observations, three OMs are possible in certainsituations. Although Ganda predominantly shows the behaviour of a symmetricalobject language, some asymmetrical behaviour can be also observed. This paperdemonstrates how object NPs and OMs behave in multiple-object constructions inGanda. It also shows the asymmetrical tendency of the language and where threeOMs are possible.