Negation in Ruuli

This paper explores the different aspects of negation in the previously undescribedGreat Lakes Bantu language Ruuli (JE.103). It first considers clausal negation. Alltense-aspect combinations are negated by means of the prefix ti-. Except for thenear future tense, the constructions are symmetric. In the negative imperative,the negation prefix ta- is used for various constructions which are distinguishedin the positive. Thus, we classify Ruuli as a language that has a special negativeimperative construction and a special negator in the negative imperative which isnot used in standard negation. In non-verbal positive clauses, a range of copulas isused. The negative construction of non-verbal predication depends on the type ofpredication, as well as on tense-aspect. In addition to the invariable negative copulati, the copulas li and ta, as well as the semi-copula bba are negated by means ofthe standard negation marker ti- in non-present. Furthermore, there is a dedicatednegative existential ndoo. The article further provides an overview of non-clausalnegation and negation in non-main clauses, as well as discusses negative replies,phasal polarity items, and negative indefinites.