Reflexivization in telugu∗

This paper is based on the findings of the University Grants Commission project on ‘A study of Linguistic Typology, Language Contact and Areal Universals in the Indian Subcontinent.’ We are thankful to Professors S. Agesthialingom, E. Annamalai, P. Das Gupta, A.R. Kelkar and Bh. Krishnamurti for helpful discussions.

Abstract

It is generally claimed that reflexivization in Dravidian languages is manifested by the verbal reflexive alone [for instance, Pillai (1981)]. In this paper we shall argue that reflexivization in Telugu, a Dravidian language, is manifested by a coreferential pronominal + a verbal reflexive and not by the verbal reflexive alone. We also intend to propose a new framework called the Base Theory to explain the reflexive constructions in Telugu. We shall show that the Base Theory can adequately account for the derivation of reflexives which the Traditional Transformational approach [for instance, Lees and Klima (1963)] fails to do. We shall review Pillai (1981) to show the inadequacies of the Traditional Transformational approach with regard to the derivation of reflexives.

Notes

This paper is based on the findings of the University Grants Commission project on ‘A study of Linguistic Typology, Language Contact and Areal Universals in the Indian Subcontinent.’ We are thankful to Professors S. Agesthialingom, E. Annamalai, P. Das Gupta, A.R. Kelkar and Bh. Krishnamurti for helpful discussions.