Demonstrative pronouns

Definition

Demonstrative pronouns are words that are used to point to specific things or people in relation to the speaker's context. They include 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' and 'those,' which indicate proximity or distance in terms of both space and time, helping listeners understand exactly what or who is being referred to.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Demonstrative pronouns can change form based on number and proximity; 'this' and 'these' refer to items that are near, while 'that' and 'those' refer to items that are farther away.
2. 'This' and 'that' are singular pronouns, while 'these' and 'those' are plural, making it essential to choose the right form based on the number of items being referred to.
3. In addition to physical distance, demonstrative pronouns can also indicate temporal distance, such as referring to events happening now versus in the past.
4. Demonstrative pronouns play a crucial role in establishing coherence in discourse by helping the listener follow along with what is being discussed.
5. They can also be used to emphasize specific items or people in a conversation, which adds clarity and focus.

Review Questions

• How do demonstrative pronouns function within deixis, and why is this important for effective communication?
  • Demonstrative pronouns are a key component of deixis because they rely on the context of the conversation to convey meaning. By indicating specific items or people based on their proximity or distance from the speaker, these pronouns help clarify references and ensure that listeners understand exactly what is being discussed. This reliance on context makes effective communication possible, as it allows speakers to direct attention appropriately within their discourse.
• Analyze how the use of demonstrative pronouns can affect reference in a sentence.
  • The use of demonstrative pronouns directly impacts reference by determining which specific entities are being highlighted in a given context. For example, using 'this' may refer to an object immediately present, while 'that' could indicate something previously mentioned or located at a distance. This distinction not only aids clarity but also shapes the listener's understanding by providing cues about the relationships between the speaker, the audience, and the referenced entities.
• Evaluate the implications of misusing demonstrative pronouns in communication and how it might lead to misunderstanding.
  • Misusing demonstrative pronouns can significantly hinder effective communication by creating ambiguity about what is being referred to. For instance, saying 'that' when pointing to something nearby might confuse listeners about the intended reference, leading them to misinterpret the conversation. Such misunderstandings can disrupt the flow of dialogue and complicate interactions, illustrating the importance of correctly employing these pronouns for maintaining clarity and coherence in communication.

Related terms

Deixis:

Deixis refers to words and phrases that require contextual information to convey meaning, such as person, place, or time indicators.

Reference: Reference is the relationship between language and the entities it denotes, highlighting how words can stand for or point to real-world objects, events, or concepts.

Pronouns: Pronouns are words that substitute for nouns or noun phrases, allowing for smoother and less repetitive communication.