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This paper explores the middle voice in Kagulu, a Bantu language of Tanzania. Although not traditionally recognized in Bantu languages, recent research has asserted that middle voice is attested in some Bantu languages. We propose that of eight affixes that might be considered middle markers, Kagulu has two affixes that are part of the middle voice system, each one coding two different detransitivizing voices. We argue that, from a diachronic viewpoint, the underdeveloped voice syncretism of Kagulu’s middle markers is the result of competing morphology and minimal functional innovations towards voice syncretism in the derivational system of Kagulu.

Temporal/aspectual morphology often serves as a diagnostic for actional classes. Bantu languages are known for their highly developed tense, aspect (and mood) systems. The East Ruvu Bantu languages of Tanzania are unusual in that they exhibit a decidedly reduced set of temporal/aspectual morphemes. This paper contributes to the growing body of research on Bantu actionality in showing that despite not being encoded overtly, perfective distinguishes between at least two actional classes. We suggest, however, that imperfective, morphologically encoded by present and non-past tense morphology, does not clearly delineate between the two verb classes. This discussion highlights the complex interaction between tense and aspect.

This article investigates a language cluster in the Morogoro region, Tanzania. The under-described languages under survey include Kagulu (G12), Zigua (G31), Kwere (G32), Zalamo (G33), Nguu (G34), Luguru (G35), Kami (G36) and Kutu (G37). The sociolinguistic situation is mapped, including numbers of speakers, where the languages are spoken and in what situations (domains). The languages’ level of endangerment as well as the speakers’ attitudes to their own language are also examined. All language data stem from the author's field work in the area. Despite holding a high status among the speakers themselves, the languages in this survey turned out to be more or less endangered.