Reflexive Pronouns in Dagbani
Date
2011
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Legon Journal of the Humanities, University of Ghana
Abstract
This paper examines reflexivization in Dagbani, a Gur language spoken
in Northern Ghana. The data are examined within the parameter of
co-referentiality and antecedence. I argue that reflexives are formed
by suffixing the reflexivizer, maŋa, meaning ‘self’, to the possessive
pronominal. The pronominal varies in form depending on the singularity
or plurality of the antecedent. I minimally compare reflexive pronouns
with pronouns within the Binding Theory and observe that whilst
pronouns are free within their domains, reflexives are governed within
the clausal domain. I conclude that anaphors and pronouns of Dagbani
match the principles of the Government and Binding theory.