Reflexive and Reciprocal Constructions in Abaza

The present research concerns the distribution of reflexive and reciprocal constructions in Abaza (Northwest Caucasian), which is a highly polysynthetic language with morphological ergativity and a consistent use of head-marking strategies. In contrast with a cross-linguistically common situation where the means of forming reciprocal and reflexive structures in many cases overlap, Abaza is equipped with completely separate modules of expressing reflexive and reciprocal meanings. Reflexive constructions are represented with three strategies, two of which are morphological and one is lexical. Reciprocal constructions are as well represented both with morphological and lexical strategies, the distribution of which, however, is yet to be clarified in the course of collecting the rest of the data for the thesis in the upcoming month. Moreover, both reflexive and reciprocal markers are polysemous and can be used outside reflexive and reciprocal constructions, which is on the most part absent from the discussion in the existing literature on Abaza grammar. This study is aimed at elaborating a full account for the reflexive and reciprocal markers use in Abaza and at making an attempt of reflecting on it in the typological context.