Locatives in Ruhaya

This study examined locatives in Ruhaya to determine their morphosyntactic features, semantic notions, as well as categorical status. In order to achieve the desired results, the study employed the Basic Linguistic Theory which emphases that the description of any language should rely on its own features and avoid the influence from other languages. The data were collected mainly by administering questionnaires, interviews and introspection. The data collected were then analysed through descriptions, explanations and tabulations. The findings from the data revealed that Ruhaya is among Bantu languages that have maintained three prefixes expressing various notions of location. The study has observed that, only two locative noun classes, namely ha- for class 16 and mu- for class 18, are most productive in various constructions. They trigger agreement on nominal dependents like adjectives and possessives as well as subject-verb agreement. Contrary to the two locative noun classes locative noun class 17 ku- does not seem to be productive in this language and it occurs in very limited contexts. Ruhaya uses prefixation strategy as the basic strategy of locative formation. However, place names do not need locative prefixes to express the notion of location. Finally, this study has also observed that locatives in Ruhaya, like in the majority of Bantu languages, function as NP. Most locative NPs in this language have a grammatical argument status with only certain type regarded as adjuncts.