Reflexivita

Reflexivity is a linguistic phenomenon in which an action is directed back toward the subject, or where the object of a clause refers to the same entity as the subject. In its core sense, a reflexive construction marks that the participant performing the action is also affected by it, as in John shaved himself. Reflexivity can also involve emphasis or voice changes, and it interacts with the broader system of pronouns, verbs, and syntax in a language.

Morphology and syntax vary across languages. Many languages use a reflexive pronoun attached to or placed with the verb, such as English myself, yourself, himself, and so on. Romance languages typically employ reflexive clitics before the verb, for example Spanish se, Italian si, and French se. German uses a reflexive pronoun like sich (for third-person and polite forms) and corresponding personal forms in other cases. Some languages mark reflexivity with a dedicated verb form or affix rather than a separate pronoun.

Typology and cross-linguistic variation. Reflexivity can be expressed obligatorily or optionally, depending on the verb and the language’s valency rules. Some languages distinguish reflexive actions from non-reflexive ones with distinct verbs, while others rely on pronouns or clitics. In many languages, reflexive forms must have a local antecedent that binds to them in a way described by binding theory. Reflexive semantics also interacts with reciprocity and intensification, where a pronoun may function to emphasize the agent or the action.

Examples illustrate common patterns: English John shaved himself; Spanish Juan se afeita; Italian Giovanni si lava; French Jean se lave; German Johannes wäscht sich. The concept encompasses both core reflexive actions and extended uses in emphasis, voice, or stylistic effect.