Transitivity of the English Reflexive: A Functionalist point of view

Abstract

Joong-SunTransitivity of the English reflexive has been analyzed so far mainly in terms of detransitivization. The English reflexive, however, appears to have a function of transitivization as well as detransitivization. It functions as detransitivization in that the number of participants in the event reduces by one; but it can also function as detransitivization in that it still has a transitive structure and expresses greater dynamicity and punctuality than its intransitive counterpart. The transitivization function of the reflexive is frequently observed in highlighting the self-move, resultative, and adversative effect. In addition, a reflexive can also be used to reinforce the transitivity of an already transitive clause.<Daegu National University of Education>