Reciprocal Constructions in Bodo

Abstract

Bodo employs optional nominal reciprocals and obligatory reciprocal verbs to form reciprocal constructions. Usually, the nominal reciprocal that is derived from a pronoun is formed by fully reduplicating the reflexive pronoun [ɡao] ‘self’, and reduplicants are conjoined together with the associative case marker [-zɯŋ] as [ɡao-zɯŋ~ɡao] ‘each other; one another’. However, there are other forms of Bodo nominal reciprocals constructed using either numerals or nouns instead of pronouns. Reciprocal pronouns are common across Bodo-Garo languages (BG) of north-east India, whereas reciprocal nouns are very rare. On the other hand, reciprocal verbs employ the reciprocal suffix [-lai].