A comparative sketch of TA markers in Kilimanjaro Bantu: In search of the directionality of semantic shift and micro-parametric correlation

This chapter presents a comparative overview of the tense and aspect (TA) systems in Kilimanjaro Bantu languages (KB), including those from which comprehensive information about the TA system has not been available in the literature. Fundamental description about the TA system of the eight varieties of KB, namely Rwa, Siha, Mashami, Kibosho, Uru, Vunjo, Rombo-Mkuu, and Gweno, reveals a general picture of geographical distribution and formal correspondences of shared TA markers. Based on the systematic correspondences, which can be described as grammaticalisation chains, we further discuss historical processes of semantic development of shared TA markers, as well as possible typological generalizations lying behind the observed variation of the TA systems in KB.