Reflexive constructions in Hausa

This contribution describes reflexive constructions in Hausa (Chadic, Niger, Nigeria). The reflexive pronouns are based on the word kâi ‘head, self’, in a possessive construction with a person affix that is coreferential with the clause subject (or sometimes with a preceding direct object or applied object). Subject-coreferential direct objects or applied objects are almost always expressed as reflexive pronouns (with the partial exception of the direct objects of some mental/sensation verbs). Subject-coreferential possessive NPs can optionally be expressed as reflexive pronouns but with an emphasis on the possessive relation. Subject-coreferential locative, benefactive, and instrumental/associative NPs are normally expressed as non-reflexive pronouns but they can also be optionally expressed as reflexive pronouns. The chapter also describes three different constructions that are related to the typical reflexive construction and which may be relevant for an account of its development