Reflexive constructions in Mano

This paper focuses on reflexivity in Mano (Southern Mande). Mano has a dedicated reflexive pronoun ē used with [3sg] antecedents. It can be followed by the self-intensifier dìè to form a complex reflexive. The highlights of the reflexivity system are the following: (1) frequent non-subject orientation (direct objects, arguments of postpositions and subject’s possessors can serve as antecedents) challenges the current accounts of the syntax of Mande VPs; (2) the use of the intensifier cannot be explained by the semantic class of the verb alone (introverted vs. extroverted), as dìè assures a broader function of reference continuity; (3) there are marginal cases of reflexives in the subject position; and (4) against typological predictions, the intensifier dìè can be used in middle constructions, reflexive constructions and for intensification, but not to express reciprocity