Prereflexív

Prereflexív is a linguistic term used to describe a class of constructions or a historical/acquisitional stage related to reflexivity in some languages. The precise definition varies, but it generally denotes reflexivity marking that precedes or diverges from the standard reflexive form and may be realized differently across languages.

Definition and scope: In descriptions, prereflexív can refer to a stage or subtype in which the reflexive relation between the verb and its argument is established by an element other than the core reflexive pronoun or morpheme, such as a particle, clitic, or particular stem allomorph. It may appear before full reflexive marking has developed, or in languages that lack a dedicated reflexive pronominal system.

Functions: Semantically prereflexív markers often encode self-directed action, emphasis, or a reflexive relation within a multiclausal structure, and they can be implicated in voice systems like middle voice or in constructions encoding reciprocity. They may also reflect grammaticalization pathways toward explicit reflexive marking.

Typology and distribution: The category is not universally recognized; it is primarily discussed in certain descriptive grammars and historical linguistics literature. Some researchers treat prereflexív as a productive morphological category in a language, while others view it as a historical stage or an analysis tool for data.

Relation to related concepts: Prereflexív is related to, but distinct from, true reflexive pronouns, reciprocals, and middle voice. It is sometimes invoked to describe non-prototypical reflexivity or transitional forms in grammaticalization processes.

Notes: Because terminology varies, consult language-specific grammars for how the term prereflexív is employed within that linguistic tradition.