Double Coding of Reflexivity and Reciprocity in Slovak

ABSTRACT The paper deals with the categories of reflexivity and reciprocity in Slovak with respect to the phenomenon of double coding. Double coding, the use of multiple reflexivity or reciprocity markers within one clause, is interpreted in light of the form–frequency correspondence hypothesis according to which more voluminous forms (longer forms or multiple forms used to encode one functional value) represent a functional‐adaptive response to the lesser predictability of certain structures. The study provides a detailed analysis of various ways of double coding in Slovak to determine those factors, which cause lesser predictability of single reflexive or reciprocal markers and motivate double coding.