3.7.4. Reflexive and reciprocal pronouns
LSC uses different strategies in order to express that the object of the sentence is the same as the subject. In LSC there are no dedicated reflexive pronouns, but the reflexive meaning may be conveyed by using the sign self, as in the following example:
ix1 self cut_hair.
‘I cut my hair myself.’
Nonetheless, whenever an agreement verb is used the sign self can be dropped. In those cases, the reflexive meaning is expressed by modifying the orientation and/or the path of the verb, which is articulated in the signer’s body.
person sign alone think 1ask3++ 1ask1++.
‘A person was signing alone, thinking aloud and asking questions to himself and to others.’
The sign self can combine with agreement verbs and with other lexical signs, such as hands, auto-1 and auto-2 [SYNTAX 2.1.3.3].
a) ix1 self hands cut_hair.
‘I cut my hair myself.’
b) mirror cl: ‘look in the mirror’auto-2 ix1 self pretty.
‘I look into the mirror and see myself pretty.’
As in the case of reflexives, in LSC there are no dedicated pronouns to convey reciprocity. The reciprocal relation may be expressed by using agreement markers [LEXICON 3.3.4], as in the examples below.
a) joan rosa respectb 3aaux3brespecta 3baux3a.
‘Joan and Rosa respect each other.’
b) dh: joan rosa respect 3aaux3b
ndh: 3baux3a
‘Joan and Rosa respect each other.’
Additionally, the use of agreement verbs to express reciprocity [SYNTAX 2.1.3.4] is also common in LSC.