Datapoint Palenquero/Reflexive constructions

It has been assumed all along that Palenquero does not have an overt means of marking reflexive (see, for instance, Patiño Rosselli (1983: 132), where it is stated explicitly that Palenquero lacks reflexive constructions). But this assumption is false. The reflexive meaning of 'self' can be expressed in two ways: (1) overtly via the postverbal pronoun + memo construction, and (2) non-overtly (reflexivity is implied). Non-overt constructions often have two possible readings, one reflexive, and the other non-reflexive. Here, as in other parts of Palenquero grammar, context is key for the correct interpretation of such constructions. And where context is ambiguous, speakers may resort to the overt memo construction.

Values

Implicit expression Frequency: 50.0%

Example 48-155:
Ané asé labá ayá loyu.
Ané
they
asé
hab
labá
wash
ayá
there
loyu.
creek
They usually wash (clothes) at the creek. OR: They usually wash themselves at the creek. OR: They (usually) wash each other at the creek.

Source: Schwegler and Green 2007: 301

Example 48-157:
Ané a matá.
Ané
they
a
pst
matá.
kill
They killed. OR: They killed themselves.
Spanish: Mataron. OR: Se mataron.
Confidence:
Certain

Compound reflexive pronoun with emphasizer Frequency: 50.0%

Example 48-156:
Ele ta miná ele-memo.
Ele
he/she
ta
prog
miná
look
ele-memo.
he-self
He/she is looking at himself/herself.
Spanish: (Él/ella) se está mirando a sí misma.
Confidence:
Certain