2002 Volume 19 Issue 2 Pages 266-290
It is shown that the semantic properties of reflexive clauses are extended to apply to a particular type of discourse. “Reflexive discourse, ” in our terms, is marked by a type of indefinite noun phrase the properties of which are modeled after those of reflexive pronouns and related expressions. This type of noun phrase is found in both English and Japanese, and is based on two levels of reference: unique identification of a referent and a generic class of which that referent is a member. Various aspects of this type of noun phrase are discussed, including its relation to other types of noun phrases, the speech act associated with it, and the style of reflexive discourse. They are appropriately understood in terms of the Subject-Self metaphor and objectification, a pair of concepts that are originally designed for reflexive clauses.
